UC-HBLF, 


003 


MANUAL 


SUBORDINATE  GRANGES 


PONS  OF 


ADOPTED  AST)  ISSUED  BY  THS 

NATIONAL,    GRANGE. 

IBIDITIOIT. 


Entered  according  to  act  of  Congrett,  in  the  year  187'^,  &y  ().  8 
KeUey,  vn  the  office  of  the  Librarian  of  Concrete 
at  Washington,  D.  C.     ' 


PHILADELPHIA: 

I.  A.  WAOEN8ELLER,  PRINTER, 
25  North  Sixth  St. 

1878. 


PLAN  OF  SUBORDINATE  GRANGE. 


&.            „.-„,.-  ,,....„.,.  ,                                       »ffi 

c. 
*       *       * 

D 


o 
F 

•o 

p 

5* 


S.         Overseer.    A.S.    L.A.S. 


Preparation  Room. 


Anteroom, 
Q.  K. 


73 
OPENING. 


Jf.  [Calk  to  Ord&r.~\  The  hour  of  labor  has  arrived, 
the  work  of  another  day  demands  our  attention.  AH 
being  prepared,  let  each  repair  to  his  or  her  allotted 
station.  Worthy  Overseer,  are  all  present  correct  ? 

0.  "Worthy  Steward,  you  will  ascertain. 

8.  [Replies  to  O.I  My  assistants  will  make  examina 
tion  and  report. 

1.  A.  S.  and  L.  A.  3.  pass  to  0.,  commence  tlie  ex 
amination.    L.  A.  S.  passes  up  left  side  of  hall;  A.  S. 
up  right  side  from  0.,  meet  at  Ceres,  pa#s  to  Overseer 
and  report  to  him,  after  which,  if  all  are  correct,  he  re 
plies  to  the  Master  : 

0    Worthy  Master,  we  find  all  present  are  correct. 

M.  Worthy  Steward,  are  the  gates  properly  guarded  ? 

S.  [Examines  and  finds  G.  J£.  at  his  post.~\  They 
are,  vVorthy  Master. 

M.  Worthy  Steward,  inform  the  Gate  Keeper  that 
we  are  now  at  work.  Worthy  Chaplain,  as  Laborers 
under  the  Great  Master  of  the  Universe,  let  us  bow  in 
prayer.  [  CalU  up.  ] 

Chap.  Almighty  Father,  Maker  of  Heaven  and  Earth, 
and  Giver  of  all  Goo'd,  we  return  our  heartfelt  thanks 
to  Thee  that  we  are  permitted  again  to  meet  each 
other  here  for  work  in  this  glorious  cause.  Endow 
us  with  prudence  and  wisdom  in  our  counsels  aa 
a  body,  that  our  work  may  be  good  and  acceptable  in 
Thy  sight,  and  that  our  labors  may  be  blessed  with  a 
Liberal  harvest ;  and  when  we  are  called  to  lay  down 


M508368 


oar  implements  on  earth,  may  we  enter  the  Paradise 
not  made  with  hands  eternal  in  the  Heavens,  and  re 
ceive  that  welcome  plaudit,  Well  done,  good  and  faith 
ful  servants. 

We  beseech  Thee  to  bless  the  officers  of  this  Grange, 
and  the  laborers  therein ;  be  with  all  connected  with 
the  Order,  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest  degree,  and 
grant  it  prosperity.  We  ask  all  in  Thy  holy  name. 

All.  Amen. 

[OPENING  SONG.] 

M.  Patrons,  I  now  declare  the  Grange  open  in 'the 
degree.  (  Calls  down. ) 

OEDEB      OF      BUSINESS  .    FOB      BEGULAB      MEETINGS      IN 
FOUETH  DEGBEE. 

1.  Opening  the  Grange. 

2.  Heading  the  minutes  of  last  meeting. 
3.^  Reports  of  Committee  on  Candidates. 

4.  Balloting  for  candidates. 

5.  Proposals  for  membership. 

6.  Is  any  member  sick  or  in  distress  ? 

7.  Reports  of  standing  committees. 

8.  Keports  of  special  committees. 

9.  Bills  and  accounts. 

10.  Unfinished  business. 

11.  New  business. 

19.  Suggestions  for  good  of  the  Order. 

18.  Conferring  of  Degrees. 

14.  Receipts  of  evening  announced. 

15.  Closing. 

At  special  meetings  for  conferring  degrees,  open  the 
Grange,  and  then  omit  all  from  2  to  12,  inclusive. 
Commence  at  13. 

Passing  in  or  out  of  the  hall  while  candidates  are  on 
the  floor  should  be  avoided. 


CLOSING. 


M.  Worthy  Overseer,  are  the  labors  of  the  day  com 
pleted  ? 

0.  They  are,  Worthy  Master. 

M.  As  there  seems  to  be  no  more  work  for  us  to-day, 
the  Steward  will  see  that  the  implements  are  properly 
secured  for  the  night. 

8.  All  is  secure,  Worthy  Master. 

M.  [Calls  up.] 

Brothers  and  Sisters :  As  we  are  again  to  separate 
and  mingle  once  more  with  the  world,  let  us  not  forget 
the  precepts  of  our  Order.  Let  us  aim  to  add  dignity 
to  labor.  In  our  dealings  with  our  fellow-men  be  hon 
est,  be  just,  and  fear  not. 

Avoid  intemperance  in  eating,  drinking,  and  lan 
guage;  also  in  work  and  recreation.  Whatever  you 
attempt  to  do,  strive  to  do  well.  Let  us  be  quiet, 
peaceful  citizens.  Feed  the  hungry,  help  the  father 
less  and  the  widows,  and  keep  ourselves  unspotted  from 
the  world. 

[CLOSING  SONG.] 

CJuxp.  [Benediction.']  May  our  Divine  Master  above 
'protect  and  bless  you  all  now  and  evermore. 

AIL    Amen. 

M.  Worthy  Steward,  inform  the  Gate  Keeper  that 
I  now  declare  the  labors  of  the  day  closed. 

5 


LABORER 


',    S.  [1.]  Worthy  Overseer,  a  signal  at  the  gate. 

0.  See  who  approaches. 

S.  Who  comes  ? 

A.  S.  Men  seeking  employment. 

S.  Are  they  unconstrained  and  witting  ? 

A.  8.  They  are. 

8.  Have  they  been  tried,  and  found  worthy  and 
honest  ? 

A.  8.  They  have. 

S.  What  token  do  they  present  ? 

A.  8.  The  signet  of  nature's  noblemen. 

8.  You  will  tarry  while  I  ascertain  our  Worthy  Over 
seer's  pleasure.  Worthy  Overseer,  the  alarm  'comes 
from  strangers  seeking  employment. 

0.  Know  you  who  they  are  ? 

&  I  do ;  men  worthy  and  well  qualified. 

O.  Admit  them  for  examination. 

S.  [2.]  It  is  the  pleasure  of  our  Worthy  Overseer 
that  you  enter  the  field  with  this  caution :  use  discre 
tion,  respectfully  obey  all  orders ;  and  should  work  ba 
assigned  you,  labor  with  diligence. 

A.  >S'.  Let  our  future  conduct  prove  us.  [3.] 

L.  Hold)     AYLo  ore  LU«t>  that  trespass  within  our 
peaceful  enclosure  ? 
A.  8.  Men  seeking  employment. 
L.  By  what  token  may  we  prove  tiiem  ? 


A.  8,  By  this  signet. 

L.  Present  it.  [4.]  "An  honest  man  is  the  noblest 
work  of  God."  Eight,  brother;  conduct  them  to  the 

Overseer  for  his  examination 

[>j 

Chap.  He  that  will  not  plow  by  reason  of  the  cold 
•rhall  beg  in  the  harvest  and  have  nothing.  Ho  that 
tilleth  hia  land  shall  be  satisfied  with  bread;  but  h« 
that  followeth  vain  persons  is  void  of  understanding. 
The  hand  of  the  diligent  shall  bear  rule,  but  the  sloth 
ful  shall  be  unto  tribute.  Happy  is  the  man  that 
findeth  wisdom,  and  the  man  that  getteth  understand 
ing,  for  the  merchandise  of  it  is  better  than  the  mer 
chandise  of  silver,  the  gain  thereof  than  line  gold. 

S.  My  friends,  whither  are  you  going  ? 

A.  /S',.  We  are  travelling  in  search  of  light  and  knowl 
edge. 

<S.  Take  advice  from  one  whose  experience  is  blissf id ; 
tarry  with  me.  The  promises  of  progress  and  improve 
ment  are  delusive,  the  road  you  have  travelled  is  famil 
iar  and  easy,  the  one  you  are  now  entering  is  full  of 
obstacles,  rough  and  uneven,  environed  with  dangers, 
and  leads,  you  know  not  where ;  with  me  you  can  find 
ease  and  comfort.  While  others  are  racking  mind  and 
body  in  seeking  something  new  and  better,  we  can 
secure  enjoyment  without  mental  or  physical  exertion. 
Moreover  *  *  *  come  tarry  with  me. 

Ail.  Heed  him  not  and  persevere. 

A.  S.  My  friends,  the  person  who  has  been  speaking 
to  you  is  that  worst  of  enemies  to  progress — Igno 
rance,  attended  by  his  companions,  Sloth  and  Supersti 
tion  ;  give  them  no  thought  if  you  hope  to  advance. 


8 

[6.] 

0.  Who  comes  here  ? 

A.  8.  Worthy  and  honest  men  seeking  wisdom,  who 
desire  to  become  laborers  in  the  field. 

0.  In  what  capacity  can  you  employ  tnem  ? 

A.  S.  First  in  clearing  the  field,  and  then  breaking 
up  the  soil ;  and  as  by  diligence  and  application  they 
shall  prove  themselves  worthy  and  qualified,  advance 
them  to  higher  and  nobler  duties. 

0.  What  wages  do  they  expect  ? 

A.  8.  The  instruction  of  wisdom,  and  not  silver: 
knowledge  rather  than  fine  gold. 

0.  Are  you  satisfied  of  their  integrity  ? 

A.  8.  I  am. 

0.  Friends,  is  it  of  your  own  free  will  you  desire  to 
accept  the  position  assigned  you  ? 

Cand.  It  is. 

0.  It  is  well.  Conduct  them  to  our  Worthy  Master ; 
from  him  you  will  receive  further  instruction.  [7.] 

M.  Who  are  these  men,  and  why  are  they  here  ? 

A.  8.  They  come  to  be  enrolled  as  laborers. 

M.  Are  you  willing  to  labor  in  the  clearing  field  ?    . 

Cand.  I  am. 

M.  [8.]  We  have  confidence  in  you  that  you  will  per- 
severe ;  but  before  assigning  you  a  place  in  our  work, 
it  is  necessaiy  that  you  give  us  a  solemn  pledge,  which 
will  not  conflict  with  your  moral,  social,  religious,  01 
civil  duties.  With  this  assurance,  are  you  willing  ta 
proceed  ? 

Cand.  I  am. 

Jf.  [9..]  lOMgatton.] 

BONO. 


9 

A.  8.  Worthy  Overseer,  the  candidates  are  ready  to 
receive  the  insignia  of  a  laborer. 

0.  Have  their  names  been  enrolled  ? 

A.  S.  They  have. 

O.  My  Brothers,  I  now  exhibit  to  you  the  Pouch,  an 
emblem  of  our  Order.  Its  contents,  as  you  perceive, 
are  a  memorandum  book,  knife,  and  pencil.  The  ob 
ject  of  the  book  is  evident.  In  your  duties  as  a  searcher 
for  knowledge,  there  will  naturally  be  presented  to  an 
observing  mind  many  new  and  useful  Mcas,  which 
might  be  lost  if  not  noted  down,  but  by  putting  them 
here  you  have  the  same  for  reference  at  any  time,  and 
new  ideas  are  the  material  with  which  progress  is 
made. 

The  knife  is  an  implement  with  which  every  laborer 
should  be  provided ;  in  the  orchard  or  the  vineyard, 
fruit  or  flower  garden,  it  is  ever  at  hand  to  prune  a 
straggling  branch,  to  cut  off  the  nests  of  insects,  or  cut 
a  plant  whose  nature  you  may  wish  to  study ;  and  this 
impress  upon  your  mind,  never  ruthlessly  break  a  twig 
or  flower,  but  carefully  with  the  knife  make  a  smooth 
cut  so  as  not  to  injure  the  plant.  So,  also,  in  your  in 
tercourse  with  your  fellow-beings,  correct  an  error 
kindly  and  with  the  smooth  edge  of  affection,  and  do 
not  deepen  the  wound  you  wish  to  heal. 

The  plow  embossed  upon  the  Pouch  is  also  an  em 
blem  of  our  Order.  It  is  venerable  for  its  antiquity. 
Respect  it,  and  as  a  good  plowman  requires  a  steady 
hand  and  a  good  eye  to  lay  his  lands  straight  and  liis 
furrows  smooth,  so  in  life  let  your  aims  be  true  and 
your  conduct  perfeot,  keeping  the  plowshare  of  ycrai 
mind  bright  by  deep  thinking  and  active  use. 


10 

I  HOW  decorate  yon  with  an  imitation  of  the  Fawn 
Skin  Pouch. 

8.  I  must  call  your  attention  to  the  animals  that  as 
a  laborer  will  come  under  your  charge.  The  domestic 
animals  are  committed  to  our  keeping '  by  the  Great 
Author  of  our  being.  "We  are  ever  dependent  upon  the 
brute  creation ;  without  them  man  could  never  have 
risen  from  barbarism  to  civilization.  Practice  mercy 
and  compassion  toward  them.  Never  overwork  or 
overload  them  ;  guard  against  haste  in  reprimanding. 
Treat  them  with  kindness  and  affection  and  they  will 
learn  to  love  you.  It  is  one  of  the  principles  of  our 
Order  to  protect  the  dumb  animals  from  abuse,  and 
any  member  who  countenances  their  ill  treatment  is 
liable  to  censure  and  expulsion. 

A.  S.  I  will  now  introduce  you  to  our  Worthy  Chap 
lain. 

CJiap.  Worthy  brothers.  Agriculture  is  the  first  and 
most  noble  of  all  occupations.  It  is  the  only  one  of 
Divine  origin.  God  planted  the  Garden  of  Eden,  and 
placed  men  therein  to  tend  it  and  keep  it.  He  caused 
to  spring  forth  out  of  the  ground  every  tree  that  is 
pleasant  to  the  sight  and  bearing  fruit  good  for  food. 
It  was  a  command  of  the  Almighty  that  man  should  till 
the  ground.  History  proves  that  where  agriculture  has 
been  fostered  by  a  people,  that  nation  has  prospered 
and  reached  a  high  degree  of  perfection ;  but  where  it 
has  been  neglected,  degeneracy  began.  Let  us  heed 
the  warning  and  escape  the  doom. 

A.  fl.  Brothers,  that  you  may  receive  the  imple 
ments  of  labor,  I  will  now  conduct  you  to  our  Master. 
Worthy  Master,  our  brothers  are  prepared  to  receiva 
the  tools  of  laborers. 


11 

M.  I  will  now  call  your  attention  to  the  implements 
of  this  degree — the  Axe,  Plow,  Harrow,  and  Spade. 

The  Axe  is  used  by  us  to  cut  away  obstructions  in 
the  fields  and  prepare  timber  for  use.  Its  use  is  em 
blematical  of  perseverance  in  overcoming  obstacles; 
for,  as  by  repeated  blows  it  cleaves  its  way  through  the 
strongest  wood,  so  should  we  by  repeated  trials  be  ena 
bled  to  surmount  every  difficulty. 

The  Plow  is  used  by  us  to  break  up  the  ground  and 
prepare  it  for  planting ;  and  this  should  teach  us  to 
diligently  drive  the  plowshare  of  thought  through  the 
heavy  clods  of  ignorance,  and  thus  prepare  the  mind 
for  the  seeds  of  knowledge  and  wisdom. 

The  Harrow  is  also  an  implement  used  by  us  to  pul 
verize  the  soil  as  well  as  to  cover  the  seed.  Let  this  be 
emblematical  of  that  course  of  study  and  observation 
necessary  to  enable  you  fully  to  understand  your  busi 
ness,  and  also  that  thorough  training  which  all  must 
undergo  who  would  become  prepared  to  have  the  les 
sons  of  experience  and  wisdom  firmly  implanted  in 
their  minds. 

The  Spade  we  use  when  we  wish  to  go  deeper  in  the 
soil  than  can  easily  be  penetrated  by  the  plow ;  and  as 
by  its  use  we  drain  our  laud  of  surplus  water,  admit 
ting  air  and'warmth  to  permeate  and  quicken  the  hith 
erto  cold  and  unproductive  soil,  so  may  the  knowledge 
you  acquire  through  your  connection  with  this  Order 
be  the  means  of  divesting  your  mind  of  ignorance,  im 
bue  it  with  the  spirit  of  philosophical  investigation, 
and  research,  ever  remembering  that  in  the  members 
of  this  fraternity  you  have  cordial  co-workers  and 
ardent  sympathizers.  I  will  now  give  you  the  Sign  of 
a  Laborer. 


12 

[10.] 

Yon  are  now  Laborers  in  the  first  degree  of  onr  hon. 
orable  Order.  Our  worthy  patroness,  C*  P*  F*,  will 
furnish  you  with  advice  essential  to  aid  you  in  your 
duties, 

[11.] 

A.  &  I  now  present  you  to  our  worthy  patron 
ess,  C*. 

C.  As  Laborers,  you  will  require  food  for  suste 
nance  ;  take  of  this  corn,  but  save  a  portion  of  the  fair 
est  for  seed. 

Let  it  also  be  your  duty,  as  far  as  it  is  in  your  power, 
to  assist  your  companions  in  securing  an  abundance  of 
seed  for  their  lands,  and  at  the  proper  season.  Let  me 
counsel  you  also  to  be  active  Laborers. 

The  enlivening  influence  of  spring  extends  to  all 
creation ;  the  spring  grass  brightens  in  color  as  it  feels 
the  genial  warmth  of  the  morning  sun.  The  winged 
songsters  joyfully  resound  their  artless  notes,  and  all* 
nature  is  alive.  The  Husbandman,  at  this  season, 
must  be  earnest  in  his  labors,  knowing  full  well  that 
if  he  fail  to  sow  he  cannot  reap ;  and  while  he  is  occu 
pied  in  the  hopeful  work  of  seeding  his  lands,  may  he 
never  lose  sight  of  preparation  for  that  great  harvest 
field  in  which  he  will  sooner  or  later  be  garnered. 

A.  8.  I  now  present  you  to  F*. 

F*.  To  rne  belongs  the  forest,  its  fruits,  and  its  gar- 
fonds  of  flowers.  Remember  that  trees  are  needed  for 
shelter,  shade,  and  ornament ;  spare  the  trees  and 
shrubs  that  are  needed  to  lend  fragrance  to  the  breeze 
and  beauty  to  the  landscape,  while  they  interfere  not 


23 

with  man's  wants  and  pleasures.  Save  enough  of  these 
to  shelter  house,  orchard,  and  field  from  blasting 
winds,  and  give  comfort  to  the  over-heated  and  weary ; 
by  so  doing,  even  the  quadrupeds  who  aid,  and  the 
feathered  tribes  who  cheer,  your  labors,  will  call  for 
blessings  on  yoir  head. 

A.  S.  I  next  present  you  to  P*. 

P.*  That  you  may  have  refreshment  while  Jjaborerfe 
take  of  this  fruit. 

Fine  fruits  are  the  flowers  of  commodities ;  they  are 
blessings  designed  to  please  the  eye  and  gratify  the 
taste,  multiply  our  comforts,  and  elevate  our  social  and 
moral  condition.  The  culture  of  fruits  indicates  re 
finement;  their  use  as  food  tends  to  a  healthy  and 
refined  temperament,  both  of  body  and  mind,  and 
should  be  esteemed  as  necessaries  rather  than  luxuries. 
It  is,  therefore,  our  duty  to  develop  and  increase  these 
bounties  to  their  utmost  extent. 

A.  S.  Worthy  Master,  our  brothers  are  now  read* 
for  labor  in  the  field. 

M.  I  now  greet  you  as  worthy  Laborers,  and  charge 
you  always  to  keep  in  remembrance  the  pledge  yon 
have  given,  and  let  your  future  conduct  be  regulate*! 
by  the  precepts  of  wisdom  and  virtue. 

Worthy  Assistant  Steward,  you  will  please  introduce 
oar  brothers  to  their  fellow-laborers. 


MAID. 

8.  [1.]  Who  comes? 

L.  A.  S.  Those  who  desire  to  assist  u-s  iu  our  work. 

$.  Please  tarry  while  I  inform  our  Worthy  Overseer. 
Worthy  Overseer,  there  are  strangers  at  the  gate  seek 
ing  admittance. 

0.  Satisfy  yourself  that  they  are  worthy,  and  if  so, 
adiuit  them. 

S.  [2.]  .None  but  those  worthy  and  well  qualified  can 
enter  here;  do  you  vouch  for  your  companions? 

L.  A.  S.  I  do. 

&  Enter,  then,  and  pass  to  our  Worthy  Overseer.  [3.] 

fv*V<^    W  H^i*°*°-    £&fi    #T  Q  '• 

L.  A.  S.  Worthy  Overseer,  I  present  friends  who 
desire  to  bo  initiated  into  the  mysteries  of  our  Order. 

0.  Are  they  competent  to  assume  the  duties  that  will 
devolve  upon  them  ? 

L.  A.  S.  They  are. 

0.  IB  it  of  your  own  free  will  ? 

Cand.  It  is. 

O.  Before  you  can  proceed  [4. 

M.  As  your  companion,  which  will  you  choose  —  Igno 
rance  or  Knowledge? 

Ca/i'l.  Knowledge. 

M.  Your  choice  is  good  [5.] 

tr    SONQ.  6.  < 


L.  A.  i$.  Worthy  Master,  our  sisters  come  for  you* 


15 

3f.  My  sisters,  I  am  happy  to  meet  yon  and  to  en- 
courage  you  to  persevere  in  the  pursuit  of  the  true, 
the  beautiful,  and  the  good.  Scorn  not  to  receive  in 
struction  from  the  humblest  object  that  offers  yon  its 
lesson.  Permit  me  to  exhibit  to  you  this  bouquet. 
You  will  perceive  it  is  composed  wholly  of  different 
varieties  of  grass,  possessing  little  beauty  and  less 
of  interest  to  the  careless  observer,  but  replete  with 
instruction  to  the  reflecting  mind. 

Grass  is  the  universal,  the  most  useful,  the  most 
valuable  production  of  the  vegetable  kingdom.  With 
out  it  the  higher  orders  of  animals,  including  man, 
could  not  exist,  and  the  earth  would  be  an  arid,  barren 
waste.  How  it  makes  glad  the  heart  of  man,  as  Spring 
spreads  her  flower-embroidered  carpet  upon  the  plains, 
and  hangs  her  verdant  mantle  upon  the  hills  !  When 
the  sun  of  Summer  has  dried  the  precious  juices,  with 
what  care  and  labor  does  the  prudent  farmer  gather  it 
into  his  barns,  that  his  animals  may  have  food  in  win 
ter  !  But,  looking  beyond  its  material  form  and  uses, 
may  you  find  in  it  an  expression  of  a  higher  truth. 

As  you  look  upon  this  bouquet,  its  colors  faded  and 
its  fragrance  departed,  does  it  not  recall  to  your  mind 
the  solemn  reflection  of  Job,  that  "  all  flesh  is  grass," 
and  that  "  man  cometh  forth  as  a  flower,  and  is  cut 
down  ?" 

But  these  solemn  admonitions  of  man's  transitory 
estate  upon  earth  give  place  to  a  brighter  and  more 
glorious  truth.  As  the  green  grass  awakens  to  life 
again  at  the  call  of  spring,  does  not  each  tiny  spearj  as 
it  shoots  from  the  ground,  preach  to  you  of  the  resur 
rection  and  immortality  ? 


16 

Let  the  modesty  and  usefulness  of  the  humble  grass 
be  to  you  an  object  of  imitation,  as  a  sister  in  our  Or 
der.     You  will  now  be  conducted  to  the  Steward. 
[MUSIC.] 

S.  [6.]  It  is  the  mind  and  heart  we  look  to  in  accom 
plishing  all  good  works ;  therefore,  in  your  intercourse 
with  the  world,  remember  that  a  noble  mind  and  gen 
erous  heart  are  often  concealed  beneath  the  garments 
of  poverty.  [7.]  I  now  greet  you  as  a  sister,  and 
crown  you  with  this  wreath.  [8.]/Jt^v«vV*2 

Worthy  Assistant,  you  will  please  introduce  the  can 
didates  to  the  Lecturer.  £L**jL~f^ 
[MUSIC.] 

L.  A.  8.  Worthy  Lecturer,  I  bring  sisters  for  coun 
sel. 

•  [MUSIC.] 

L.  Sisters,  when  God  created  the  Garden  of  Eden, 
and  planted  therein  all  that  was  beautiful  of  tree, 
shrub,  plant,  and  flower,  and  so  distributed  his  handi 
work  that  it  was  Paradise,  His  last  great  work  was  to 
adorn  it  with  woman. 

To  woman  we  look  for  those  noble  traits  that  adorn 
humanity.  Ever  foremost  in  deeds  of  charity,  ever 
lenient  and  forgiving — by  the  sick  bed  ever  watch 
ful,  and,  where  affection  claims  her  aid,  none  more>  de 
voted. 

In  ancient  mythology,  even  among  the  heathen, 
where  a  charm  was  needed  to  make  divinity  perfect,, 
they  invariably  chose  the  type  of  woman.  We  see  this 
in  Ceres,  the  goddess  who  presided  over  the  golden 
grain ;  in  Flora,  the  goddess  of  flowers ;  and  in  Po- 


17 


mona,  presiding  over  fruits.  Fortune,  Fortitude, 
Truth,  Fidelity,  Friendship,  all  prominent  deities, 
were  given  the  female  form;  therefore  let  mo  urge 
you  to  remember  the  high  position  assigned  your  sex, 
and  that  you  walk  worthily  in  it. 

L.  A.  8.  Worthy  Overseer,  our  sisters  come  for  in 
struction. 

0.  I  greet  you  as  worthy  sisters  in  our  Order. 
Woman  is  the  educator  of  youth  and  our  co-studeut 
through  life,  and  to  be  this  she  must  acquire  knowl 
edge  and  wisdom.  Education  adds  the  greatest  charm 
to  woman — it  is  a  companion  which  no  misfortune  can 
depress,  no  clime  destroy,  no  enemy  alienate,  no  despo 
tism  enslave ;  an  ornament  in  prosperity  and  a  refuge 
in  adversity. 

I  now  decorate  you  with  the  Apron,  an  emblem  of 
our  Order.  You  will  now  be  conducted  to  our  Worthy 
Chaplain. 

L.  A.  8.  Worthy  Chaplain,  I  present  worthy  sisters 
for  instruction. 

Chap.  The  interests,  the  social  relations,  and  the 
destiny  of  man  and  woman,  are'  identical.  She  was 
intended  by  her  Creator  to  be  the  helpmeet,  compan 
ion,  and  equal  of  man ;  each  shares  the  glory  or  the 
shame  of  the  other. 

The  principles  inculcated  in  the  mind  of  the  child 
by  the  mother  are  there  for  life ;  hence  the  importance 
that  her  mind  bo  stimulated  with  the  love  of  the  beau 
tiful  and  the  good.  It  is  a  fixed  principle  of  our  Order 
that  woman  be  taught  to  be  a  good  manager,  particu 
larly  in  rural  pursuits,  that,  when  left  without  a  pro 
tector,  sbe  may  not  be  entirely  dependent  upon  the 


18 

bounty  of  others.    Also  remember,  my  sister,  that  f  avot 
is  deceitful  and  beauty  vain ;  but  a  woman  that  f eareth 
the  Lord,  she  shall  be  praised.     Many  daughters  have 
done  virtuously;  may  you  excel  them  all. 
[MUSIC.] 

L.  A.  8.  Worthy  Master,  our  sisters  are  now  pre 
pared  to  receive  the  Signs  of  this  degree. 

M.  Sisters,  I  will  now  give  you  the  signs  by  which 
you  may  at  any  proper  time  make  yourself  known  as 
having  received  the  first  degree  of  our  Order.  [9.  J 

[10.] 

<7.*  Sisters,  I  welcome  you  to  the  fields,  where  kind 
nature  profusely  spreads  her  charms  around  to  cheer 
the  eye  and  fill  the  heart  with  gratitude. 

P.*  Let  me  also  invite  you  to  the  orchard  and  fruit 
garden,  where  the  blessings  of  life  in  luscious  fruits 
bid  you  welcome. 

P.*  And  I,  too,  will  spread  your  path  with  flowers, 
whose  beauty  and  fragrance  cannot  fail  to  make  life 
pleasant,  and  teach  you  "there  is  another  and  a  better 
world." 

L.  A.  8.  Worthy  Master,  my  task  is  done,  and  our 
sisters  are  prepared  to  be  assigned  to  duty. 

J/.  Sisters,  I  now  commend  you  to  all  in  our  Order, 
assuring  you  that  with  us  you  will  ever  find  friends,  in 
prosperity  or  adversity.  Patrons,  welcome  our  sisters. 
[MUSIC.] 


CULTIVATOR 


&  [1.]  Worthy  Overseer,  an  alarm  at  the  gate. 

O.  See  from  whom  it  comes. 

8.  Who  seeks  admission  from  without  ? 

A.  8.  Brothers  who  have  labored  in  clearing  tho 
4eld  and  preparing  the  soil  now  seek  instruction  in 
planting  and  cultivating. 

8.  'Tis  well ;  wait  until  I  obtain  our 'worthy  Over 
seer'*}  permission.  Worthy  Overseer,  there  are  broth 
ers  in  waiting  who  desire  to  be  instructed  in  planting 
and  cultivating. 

O.  Admit  them,  that  we  may  learn  their  qualifica 
tions. 

8.  [2.]  It  is  the  will  of  our  worthy  Overseer  that  they 
be  brought  before  him.  [3.] 

BONO. 

0.  Whom  bring  you  here  ? 

A.  8.  Brothers  who,  having  served  faithfully  as  la 
borers,  seek  promotion. 

0.  Are  they  honest,  diligent,  and  faithful  ? 

A.  8.  They  are  honest  with  the  brethren,  faithful  to 
tneir  pledge,  and  diligent  in  their  work. 

0.  A  righteous  man  regardeth  the  life  of  his  beast. 
Are  they  kind  and  careful  with  their  animals  ? 

A.  S.  They  are. 

0.  Order  is  Heaven's  rirst  law.  Do  they  keep  their 
tools  in  their  proper  place,  and  take  good  care  of  them  ? 

A.  8.  They  do. 


20 

0.  It  is  said  of  evil  men :  as  a  bowing  wall  shall  ye 
be,  and  as  a  tottering  fence.  Have  they  given  propet 
attention  to  their  fences? 

A.  8.  They  have;  their  conduct  is  fenced  with  cir 
cumspection,  and  they  regard  their  neighbor's  land- 
mark. 

0.  By  what  further  token  are  they  distinguished  ? 

A.  S.  By  the  sign  of  a  thrifty  farmer. 

O.  What  is  that? 

A.  S.  Diligence  in  labor  and  attention  to  his  own 
business. 

0.  A  diligent  man  shall  prosper ;  he  shall  stand  be 
fore  kings,  he  shall  not  stand  before  mean  men. 

Brothers,  your  recommendations  are  good ;  you  will 
now  be  conducted  to  the  Lecturer. 

SONG. 

A.  8.  Worthy  Lecturer,  our  brothers^  who  are  qual 
ified,  desire  instructions  in  planting. 

L.  Have  they  been  furnished  with  seed  ? 

A.  8.  They  have. 

L.  From  whom  did  they  obtain  it  ? 

A.  8.  When  they  were  furnished  with  corn  for  their 
sustenance  as  Laborers,  they  received  the  injunction  to 
save  a  portion  of  the  best  for  seed ;  and  the  admonition 
has  been  heeded. 

L.  Tis  well.  As  Laborers  with  the  axe,  are  their 
blows  sturdy  and  true? 

A.  8.  They  are ;  and  their  heaviest  blows  fall  upon 
ignorance  and  superstition. 

L.  As  plowmen,  do  they  plow  deep  and  keep  theii 
furrows  straight  ? 


21 

4..  S.  They  do,  and  in  deep  study  seek  truth,  and  by 
straightforward  conduct  secure  esteem. 

L.  Are  their  lands  properly  drained  ? 

A.  8.  They  are,  and  by  careful  inquiry  they  find 
prejudice  removed. 

L.  None  have  entered  here  with  higher  testimonials. 
Are  they  kind  to  the  poor,  and  lenient  to  all  ? 

A.  S.  Worthy  Lecturer,  we  are  forbidden  to  speak 
of  our  charitable  acts,  but  taught  in  giving  alms  not  to 
let  our  left  hand  know  what  our  right  hand  doeth. 

L.  Bight  Worthy  Assistant,  conduct  them  to  our 
Worthy  Chaplain,  that  he  may  instruct  them  that  charity 
is  inculcated  in  our  Order. 

[MUSIC.] 

A.  8.  Worthy  Chaplain,  we  come  to  you  for  counsel. 

Chap.<  Brothers,  the  springing  seed  teaches  us 
benevolence,  the  growing  trees  teach  kindness,  and  all 
the  labors  of  the  Husbandman  and  his  surroundings 
beget  refinement  of  feelings  and  kindly  sentiments. 
In  no  occupation  does  a  man's  daily  labors  bring  him 
in  such  close  companionship  with  the  Great  Creator  as 
in  the  cultivation  of  the  soil.  Be  therefore  free  from 
selfishness.  If  thine  enemy  hunger,  feed  him.  Do 
good,  hoping  for  nothing  again,  and  your  reward  shall 
be  great.  Love  one  another.  Be  charitable,  and  irn- 
presa  on  your  heart  the  teachings  of  Paul,  who  said : 

"Though  I  speak  with  the  tongues  of  men  and  of 
angels,  and  have  not  charity,  I  am  become  as  sounding 
brass,  or  a  tinkling  cymbal.  And  though  I  have  the 
gift  of  prophecy,  and  understand  all  mysteries,  and  all 
knowledge,  and  though  I  have  all  faith,  so  that  I  could 
remove  mountains,  and  I  have  not  charity,  I  am  noth- 


22 

ing.  And  though  I  give  all  my  goods  to  feed  the  poor, 
and  though  I  give  my  body  to  be  burned,  and  have  not 
charity,  it  profiteth  me  nothing." 

A.  S.  I  will  now  conduct  you  to  the  Master. 

M.  Whom  bring  you  here  ? 

A.  8.  Brothers,  seeking  instruction. 

M.  Have  they  been  obligated  ? 

A.  "8.  They  have  not  in  this  degree. 

M.  Before  you  go  further,  it  is  necessary  that  yon 
give  us  your  pledge  of  secrecy  and  fidelity,  which,  how 
ever,  will  not  conflict  with  your  moral,  social,  religious, 
or  civil  duties.  With  this  assurance,  are  you  willing  to 
proceed  ? 

Cand.  I  am. 

[4-] 

M.  Brothers,  we  are  now  to  teach  you  how  to  plant 
the  seed.  Behold  it — inanimate  kernels  of  corn ;  but 
the  genn  has  life — the  future  plant  is  there.  We  loosen 
the  soil — we  bury  the  seed ;  and  in  so  doing  let  us  im 
press  upon  our  minds  the  truth  of  the  immortality  of 
the  soul.  There  is  no  other  object  found  in  nature  in 
which,  to  appearance,  life  and  death  border  so  closely 
together  as  in  the  grains  of  seed  buried  in  the  earth, 
but  when  life  seems  extinct,  a  fuller  and  richer  exist 
ence  begins  anew. 

From  this  little  seed  we  have,  first  the  blade,  then 
the  ear,  then  the  full  corn  in  the  ear.  So  with  the 
mind,  which  is  the  soil  wherein  we  plant  the  seed  of 
knowledge. 

As  we  sow,  in. like  manner  shall  we  reap.  Let  us 
also  fertilize  our  minds  with  the  virtues  of  Love,  Truth, 
and  Charity,  that  never  fail  to  add  vigor  and  happiness 


23 

to  life,  so  that  at  our  final  harvest,  when  our  Heavenly 
Father  shall  garner  the  ripened  grain  in  the  Paradise 
above,  it  may  be  worthy  of  his  care. 

SONG. 

A.  S.  I  now  introduce  you  to  our  worthy  patroness, 
0.* 

(7.*  AH  we  look  around  us  on  this  earth,  and  see  the 
beautiful  transf onuation  of  seeds  into  attractive  plants, 
or  majestic  trees,  we  have  but  another  lesson  taught  us 
of  the  wondrous  works  of  God  ;  and  if  the  beauties  of 
this  world,  when  rightly  viewed,  offer  so  much  of  the 
magnificence  of  the  Creator  to  charm  us  here,  what 
must  be  the  sublime  grandeur  of  that  Paradise  above, 
not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  Heavens  ? 

A.  S.  Next  listen  to  F.* 

P.*  In  exhibiting  to  you  these  flowers,  symbols  of 
the  poetry  of  nature,  let  me  entreat  you  to  encourage 
their  culture,  as  well  as  study  their  forms  and 
beauty ;  endeavor  to  surround  your  dwelling  with  the 
twining  vine  or  graceful  climbing  plants,  remember 
ing  always  there  is  no  spot  on  earth  so  rude  as  not  tc 
be  refined  by  their  presence,  and  none  so  adorned  as 
not  to  be  graced  by  their  beauty  and  fragrance. 

Flowers  are  ever  welcome ;  in  the  hour  of  sadness  we 
turn  to  them  for  comfort,  and  in  the  hour  of  joy  the 
bouquet  is  a  fitting  companion  to  the  f estal  gathering ; 
and  the  Kose,  with  its  associations  of  purity,  never 
looks  so  enchanting  as  when  it  decks  the  brow  of 
beauty,  or  the  breast  of  innocence  and  peace.  Above 
all,  remember,  amid  all  that  is  bright  and  beautiful  in 
nature,  there  is  nothing  that  blooms  with  such  unfad- 


24 

ing  colors — there  is  no  perfume  on  earth  fraught  with 
such  fragrance  as  the  flowers  of  good  works,  and  the 
sweet-smelling  savor  of  that  pity  which  feels  for  the 
wants,  and  relieves  the  distress  of  our  sisters  and 
brothers. 

A.  8.  And  now  listen  to  P.* 

P.*  Brothers,  of  all  the  varied  productions  of  the 
soil,  fruits,  in  their  almost  endless  variety,  are  the  only 
portion  of  our  food  which  nature  furnishes  ready  for 
our  immediate  use ;  and  by  this  we  are  admonished 
that  fruit  should  form  a  large  portion  of  our  daily 
nourishment.  But  to  secure  such  supply  in  pleasing  and 
wholesome  variety,  we  must  plant  and  cultivate.  It  is 
enjoined  particularly  upon  you  to  allow  no  returning 
spring  to  pass  without  planting  one  fruit  tree,  and  one 
vine,  hoping  thereby  that  your  labor  will  help  hasten 
the  advent  of  that  glorious  time  when  every  one  may 
sit  under  his  own  vine  and  fruit  tree,  and  every  heart 
be  made  glad  by  the  yield  thereof. 

A.  S.  We  will  now  proceed  to  the  Lecturer.  Worthy 
Lecturer,  we  come  to  your  for  instruction. 

L.  My  friends,  of  all  the  instrumentalities  for  smooth 
ing  the  wrinkled  brow  of  care,  fcranquilizing  the  mind 
of  the  suffering  invalid,  for  elevating  the  mind  to 
higher  and  nobler  purposes,  and  for  making  life  happy, 
there  is  nothing  more  powerful  than  a  home  surrounded 
with  the  wealth  of  nature  displayed  in  trees,  fruits,  and 
flowers.  Plant  them  not  for  the  present  only,  but  for 
the  future  ;  while  you  enjoy  life,  erect  your  own  mon 
ument.  Plant  an  Orchard,  and  when  your  children 
and  children's  children,  or  the  stranger,  shall  rest  be 
neath  its  shade  and  eat  the  fruit  thereof,  your  name 


25 


will  be  spoken  with  praise.  If  he  that  causes  two 
blades  of  grass  to  grow  where  but  one  grew  before  is 
greater  than  he  who  conquers  an  empire,  how  much 
greater  is  he  that  leaves  for  his  descendants  a  bounti 
ful  supply  of  fruit? 

A.  S.  I  will  now  con  duct  you  to  our  Worthy  Master, 
that  you  may  receive  the  implements  used  in  this  degree. 


Worthy  Master,  our  Brothers  are  now  ready  to  be  in 
structed  in  the  use  of  the  tools  of  this  degree. 

M.  The  tools  used  by  us  in  this  degree  are  the  Hoe 
and  Pruning  Knife.  Where  we  cultivate  the  soil  and 
eradicate  weeds,  the  Hoe  is  emblematical  of  that  cul 
tivation  of  the  mind  furnished  by  study,  keeping  our 
thoughts  quickened  and  ready  to  apprehend  or  apply 
new  facts  as  they  appear,  to  eradicate  error,  and  pro 
mote  the  growth  of  knowledge  and  wisdom. 

The  Pruning  Knife  is  used  by  us  to  remove  useless 
and  injurious  growth  from  our  trees,  plants,  and  vines, 
and  should  remind  you  of  that  proper  degree  of  re 
straint  so  necessary  to  improve  yourself,  to  keep  your 
passions  within  due  bounds,  and  prevent  your  fancy 
from  leading  you  astray  after  the  vanities  and  vices  of 
the  world ;  ever  bearing  in  mind  that  as  Laborers  and 
Cultivators  in  field,  orchard,  and  vineyard,  mental 
worth  ranks  before  worldly  wealth  or  honors,  and  that 
as  ft  Cultivator  you,  in  our  glorious  fraternity,  can 
justly  claim  to  belong  to  the  only  true  nobility  of  the 
land. 

I  will  now  instruct  you  in  the  signal,  password,  sign, 
and  salutation  of  this  degree.  [5.] 


26 

I  now  greet  yon  as  a  Cultivator,  and  our  worthy 
Steward  will  see  that  work  is  assigned  you. 


SHEPHERDESS. 


[i.] 

S.  Worthy  Overseer,  an  alarm. 

0.  Is  the  signal  correct  ? 

S.  I  so  consider  it. 

0.  Satisfy  yourself  that  those  seeking  admittance 
are  duly  qualified,  and  if  so,  admit  them. 

S.  [2.J  What  brings  you  here  at  this  hour? 

L.  A.  S.  I  come  with  my  companions  to  assist  them 
in  securing  the  promotion  which  they  seek. 

S.  Your  attention  is  worthy  of  commendation;  enter, 
and  pass  to  our  worthy  Overseer. 

SONG. 

Z.  A.  8.  Worthy  Overseer,  our  sisters  desire  to  be 
advanced  to  the  second  degree. 

0.  Sisters',  it  is  well.  The  duty  is  emblematical,  and 
will  be  fully  explained.  It  will  be  necessary  for  you 
to  place  a  tribute  upon  our  altar.  [3.]  You  will  now 
be  conducted  to  our  worthy  Chaplain. 

L.  A.  S.  Worthy  Chaplain,  our  aisters  desire  mstrao- 
tioa.  from  you  as  they  advance. 


27 

O'/iap.  My  worthy  sisters :  The  care  of  the  flocks  is 
one  of  the  most  ancient  on  record,  and  history  tells  us 
that  Abel,  in  the  simplicity  of  a  shepherd's  life,  took  a 
pleasure  in  practising  all  the  social  virtues. 

The  first  oblation  made  to  God,  and  which  met  His 
favor,  was  that  of  Abel's,  which  consisted  of  the  milk 
of  his  herds  and  the  firstlings  of  his  flocks.  It  was  to 
tiie  shepherds  abiding  in  the  fields,  and  keeping  watch 
over  their  flocks  at  night,  that  the  angel  of  the  Lord 
came  with  the  glad  tidings  of  great  joy,  that  the  Saviour 
was  born  ;  and  to  them  the  heavenly  host  sang,  "  Glory 
to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth  peace,  good-will 
toward  men." 

Our  Saviour  symbolized  the  flocks  in  his  parable  of 
the  Good  Shepherd,  and  the  lamb  has  ever  been  held 
emblematical  of  purity  and  innocence.  It  is  in  this 
light  we,  in  this  fraternity,  desire  to  look  upon  woman, 
and  in  our  teachings  we  aim  to  inculcate  all  those  vir 
tues  which  will  make  her  noble  and  beloved.  Where- 
ever  yon  go,  whatever  your  calling,  aim  to  do  good. 
Good  deeds  are  ever  fruitful. 

SONG.  [4.] 

L,  A.  fi.  Worthy  Master,  our  sisters  have  broughi 
their  tributes  to  our  altar. 

M.  Worthy  sisters,  your  tribute  is  accepted.  This 
is  God's  holy  word,  and  thereon  fair  hands,  prompted 
by  pure  hearts,  have  dropped  roses,  emblems  of  ever 
lasting  love.  As  their  fragrance  claims  our  admiration, 
so  may  the  teachings  of  this  book  inspire  you  with 
hope.  Nevertheless,  let  no  hope  allure,  nor  fear  deter 


28 


thee  from  doing  that  which  is  right ;  so  shall  thon  be 
prepared  to  meet  all  events  with  an  equal  niind.  [5.] 

L.  A.  8.  Worthy  Lecturer,  our  sisters  desire  further 
instruction. 

L.  Sisters,  it  is  a  noble  employment,  and  well  wor 
thy  of  woman,  to  constantly  study  the  book  of  nature ; 
to  learn  in  it  the  truths  which  may  remind  us  of  the 
immense  greatness  of  God,  and  our  own  littleness — of 
His  blessings,  and  the  obligations  which  they  impose 
upon  us.  Nature  is  in  small  objects  what  she  is  in 
great  ones.  There  is  no  less  harmony  in  the  construc 
tion  of  the  mite  than  in  the  elephant.  Every  grain  of 
sand  is  filled  with  cavities,  and  these  are  the  home  of 
insects.  The  mould  on  decayed  substances  presents  a 
thick  forest  of  trees  and  plants.  When  we  consider 
that  nature  never  repeats — that  of  everything  that  ex 
ists,  from  the  smallest  to  the  greatest,  no  two  are  alike, 
we  are  filled  with  awe  and  amazement.  Let  your  mind 
be  nurtured  to  study  these  wonders  tof  the  Great 
Creator,  and,  as  you  advance  in  our  Order,  still  fur 
ther  truths  will  be  taught  you. 

BONG. 

L.  A.  8.  Worthy  Master,  we  now  come  for  your 
welcome. 

3f.  My  worthy  sisters,  may  the  simple  lessons  you 
have  received  be  engrafted  upon  your  minds ;  ciiltivate 
the  seed  thus  planted,  that  it  may  yield  a  hundred-fold, 
and  let  me,  in  extending  the  right  hand  of  fellowship, 
urge  you  to  "know  thyself."  Remember  thine  own 
dignity,  nor  dare  to  descend  to  evil  or  meanness.  Be 
generous.  Whilst  the  poor  groaneth  on  the  bed  ol 


29 

sickness,  whilst  the  unfortunate  languish  in  the  hor 
rors  of  a  dungeon,  or  the  hoary  head  of  age  lifts  np  a 
feeble  eye  to  thee  for  pity,  aid  them  to  the  extent  of 
thy  ability.  When  the  fatherless  call  upon  thee,  when 
the  widow's  heart  is  sunk,  and  she  imploreth  thy  as 
sistance,  remember  and  pity  her  affliction,  and  extend 
thy  hand  to  those  who  have  uone  to  help  them. 

I  will  now  give  you  the  sign,  signal,  password,  and 
salutation  of  this  degree.  [6.]  Aisd  now  accept  the 
right  hand  of  fellowship,  and  tha  coDgratulations  of 
your  associates. 

BONO. 


HARVESTER 


8.  [1.]  Worthy  Overseer,  an  alarm. 

0.  See  who  gives  it. 

8.  Who  gives  the  alarm  ? 

A.  8.  Brothers  who,  having  served  faithfully  aa 
Laborers  and  Cultivators,  desire  to  be  instructed  and 
receive  employment  as  Harvesters. 

8.  Tarry  until  I  make  their  request  known  to  the 
Overseer.  Worthy  Overseer,  brothers  seek  employ 
ment  in  the  harvest  field. 

0.  Let  them  be  admitted  that  we  may  learn  tfcsii 
qualifications. 


S.  Brothers,  you  will  be  conducted  to  our  worthy 
Overseer. 

A.  S.  "Worthy  Overseer,  I  bring  brothers  for  the 
harvest  field. 

0.  Brothers,  is  it  of  your  own  free  will  that  you  de 
sire  to  enter  the  harvest  field  ? 

Cand.  It  is. 

0.  Worthy  Assistant,  have  they  been  duly  examined  ? 

A.  S.  They  have. 

0.  Have  they  served  faithfully  as  Laborers,  and  la 
bored  diligently  as  Cultivators? 

A.  S.  They  have  received  credit  as  such. 

0.  Have  they  been  duly  taught  how  to  select  good 
seed,  and  how  to  plant  it  ? 

A.  8.  They  have. 

0.  You  will  conduct  them  to  our  worthy  Master,  and 
secure  his  approval. 

A.  S.  By  direction  of  our  worthy  Overseer  I  bring 
brothers  to  join  in  the  labors  of  the  harvest. 

M.  What  are  their  qualifications  ? 

A.  S.  As  Laborers,  diligence;  as  Cultivators,  faith 
fulness  ;  as  Men,  honesty  and  uprightness. 

M.  Your  recommendation  is  sufficient  to  insure  them 
favor.  More  assistance  is  needed  in  the  fields ;  the 
grain  is  ripe  and  ready  for  the  harvest.  It  is,  however,, 
important  that  none  but  intelligent  and  skillful  labor 
ers  be  employed.  Before  they  enter  upon  their  labors  it 
will  be  necessary  for  them  to  receive  instructions,  and, 
first  of  all,  to  give  a  pledge  of  secrecy  and  fidelity. 
Brothers,  this  will  not  conflict  with  your  social,  relig 
ious,  moral,  or  political  views.  With  this  assurance 
are  you  willing  to  proceed  ? 

Cand.  I  am. 


31 

[2.]      MUSIO. 

A.  S.  Woithy  Lecturer,  our  brothers  come  for  in 
structions  to  enable  them  to  become  Harvesters. 

L.  Brothers,  as  Harvesters,  reap  for  the  mind  as  well 
as  for  the  body.  Natural  history  is  replete  with  both 
Ehe  wonderful  and  beautiful,  and  its  study  enables  us 
the  better  to  carry  out  the  noble  principles  we  incul 
cate,  of  Friendship,  Truth,  and  Charity. 

In  the  field  of  Nature,  earth,  air,  and  vegetation  are 
replete  with  life.  Nature  has  made  nothing  in  vain. 
Wherever  she  has  created  a  habitation  she  has  filled  it 
with  inhabitants.  On  the  leaves  of  plants  animals 
feed,  like  cattle  in  our  meadows,  to  whom  the  dew- 
drop  is  an  ocean  without  a  shore ; .  the  flowers  are  their 
elysian  fields,  decorated  with  cascades  and  flowing  with 
ambrosial  fluids.  Every  plant  has  its  inhabitants,  and 
every  climate  its  plants. 

A  hasty  glance  at  the  soil  or  plants  would  lead  one 
to  presume  there  existed  but  little  variety ;  but  careful 
study  and  observation  show  an  infinitude  of  forms,  and 
all  for  some  wise  purpose.  Cultivate  an  observing 
mind.  It  is  delightful  to  acquire  knowledge,  and  much 
more  so  to  diffuse  it.  The  noblest  reward  of  science  is 
the  pleasure  of  instructing  the  ignorant. 

Everything  in  Nature  that  arrests  our  attention  by 
the  grandeur  of  its  greatness  charms  us  with  tho  sim 
plicity  of  its  operations  when  once  clearly  understood. 

You  will  now  conduct  them  to  the  Overseer. 

MUSIO. 

A.  S.  Worthy  Overseer,  our  brothers  come  for  fur- 
tiiar  mstructions. 


32 

0.  My  brothers,  all  honest  labor  is  honorable.  God 
made  the  earth.  He  set  the  example  of  .labor,  and  sanc 
tified  it,  and  made  it  the  necessity  of  His  creatures. 
Inasmuch  as  it  is  of  God's  example  and  design,  it  is  a 
part  of  duty  to  honor  and  dignify  it,  and  make  it  con 
ducive  to  the  advancement  and  happiness  of  God's 
creatures. 

You  are  now  about  to  enter  the  harvest.  Labor 
with  cheerfulness.  The  tniest  balsam  for  injured 
minds  is  cheerfulness.  Cultivate  the  habit  of  looking 
for  better  and  brighter  days  instead  of  mourning  over 
the  past. 

Some  of  your  hurts  you  have  cured, 

And  the  sharpest  you  still  have  survived ; 

But  what  torments  of  grief  you  endured 
From  evils  that  never  arrived. 

While  you  strive  to  make  labor  honorable,  exert 
yourself  to  make  it  pleasant  and  cheerful  for  aD 
around  you.  Worthy  Assistant,  you  will  now  conduct 
our  brothers  to  the  Chaplain. 

SONG. 

A.  S.  Worthy  Chaplain,  I  present  our  brothers  for 
instruction. 

C/uip.  Brethren,  the  fields  of  our  chief  labor  are 
ever  "white  ntto  the  harvest;"  and  in  them  "he  that 
reapeth  receiveth  wages  and  gathereth  fruit  unto  lifo 
eternal ;  that  both  he  that  soweth  and  he  tliat  reapeth 
may  rejoice  together."  "Take  heed,  therefore,  and 
beware  of  covetousness :  for  a  man's  life  consisteth  not 
in  the  abundance  of  things  he  posse&wtJi,"  but  in  tht 


33 


use  of  God's  blessings.-  Say  not,  therefore, 
"Soul,  tliou  hast  much  goods  laid  up  for  many  years 
—take  thine  ease,  eat,  drink,  and  be  merry  ;"  for  our 
Heavenly  Father  placed  us  here  to  be  "laborers  to 
gether  with  Him,"  and  raises  up  the  ever-  whitening 
harvest,  that  we  may  be  the  stewards  of  His  bounty, 
and  so  partake  of  His  blessedness  in  being  beneficent. 
Therefore,  be  ye  helpers  one  of  another.  And  be  not 
proud  ;  for  pride  goeth  before  destruction,  and  a 
haughty  spirit  before  a  fall.  Mind  not  high  things,  but 
condescend  to  men  of  low  estate  ;  for  ye  are  all  breth 
ren.  Be  patient  and  contented  in  your  labors,  and  in 
the  use  of  their  fruits  ;  for  godliness  with  contentment 
is  great  gain. 

Such  are  the  great  aims,  labors,  and  reward  of  the 
true  Harvester  ;  and  to  these  I  bid  you  welcome.  Be 
faithful  in  gathering,  that  you  may  be  liberal  in  dis 
pensing. 

A.  8.  I  will  now  present  you  to  ouf  worthy  Master. 
Worthy  Master,  our  brothers  have  received  their  in 
structions. 

M.  As  the  day  is  far  spent,  you  will  conduct  them 
to  the  gate  of  the  harvest  field,  and  there  join,  the  Har 
vesters  as  they  return  from  their  labors.  [3.] 

HABVEST  SONG. 

I  now  exhibit  to  you  the  Sickle.  Like  all  the  tools 
we  use,  it  is  ancient  and  honorable  ;  as  an  emblem  of 
our  Order,  there  is  none  more  so.  It  speaks  of  peace 
and  prosperity,  and  is  the  harbinger  ef  joy. 


34 

CHOBTJS  BY  AJJ^.     An* — Dewe&t  May. 

Then  glory  to  the  steel 

That  shines  in  the  reaper's  hand, 
And  thanks  to  God,  who  has  blessed  the  sod, 

And  crowns  the  harvest  land. 

I  now  give  you  the  sign  in  this  degree ;  also  the  sig< 
nal,  password,  and  salutation.  [4.]  • 

Brothers  and  sisters,  your  task  for  the  day  is  over  ; 
yon  have  labored  diligently,  and  now  receive  my  com- 
mendation  for  faithfulness.  Let  me  urge  you  to  con 
tinue  with  the  same  diligence  until  the  harvest  is 
finished.  Brothers,  I  now  greet  you  as  Harvesters, 
and  trust  you  will  prove  yourselves  competent  workmen. 

A.  8.  Let  our  worthy  patroness,  C.*,  greet  you. 

(7.*  Brothers,  happy  are  they  who  see  charms  in  the 
harvest :  may  you  appreciate  them  all,  and  prove  worthy 
of  your  trust. 

A.  S.  Then  P.*  offers  congratulations. 

F*  Brothers,  the  charms  of  flowers  to  the  cultivated 
mind  are  never  ending:  let  your  life  be  as  pure  as 
flowers,  and  your  conduct  as  perfect. 

A.  8.  And  last,  listen  to  P.* 

P.*  The  harvest  of  fruits  will  soon  claim  your  toil, 
wad  may  you  realize  it  as  a  true  harvest  of  bright 
Lopes. 

M.  You  will  now  be  conducted  to  the  Steward,  smd 
there  await  our  pleasure. 


GLEANEK. 


M.  Worthy  Steward,  it  is  reported  to  me  by  om 
worthy  Overseer,  that  certain  persons  have  been  glean 
ing  in  the  fields  to-day  who  have  not  been  duly  in 
structed.  Is  he  correct  ? 

8.  He  is,  worthy  Master. 

M.  By  what  authority  were  they  there? 

S.  By  precedent,  worthy  Master.  I  was  satisfied 
they  were  qualified  for  the  duties,  and  the  harvest  re 
quired  atteution,  that  nothing  should  be  lost. 

M.  Your  reasons  are  good,  and  as  our  time  will  now 
permit,  you  will  please  summon  them,  that  they  may 
receive  instructions  necessary  to  fit  them  more  per 
fectly  for  their  duties.  [!>.] 

0.  Worthy  sisters,  that  you  may  appear  before  our 
worthy  Master  in  a  proper  manner,  [3.] 

You  will  now  be  conducted  to  our  worthy  Master. 

SONG. 

L.  A.  S.  Worthy  Master,  in  compliance  with  your 
command,  I  present  our  sisters,  to  be  qualified  as 
Gleaners. 

M.  Worthy  sisters,  as  Gleaners  in  our  Order,  gather 
only  the  good  seed.  Our  associations  in  life  are  the 
fields  in  which  we  reap.  Use  judgment,  and  while  you 
glean,  let  your  example  be  correct,  that  others  may 
profit  by  it. 


Be  eve?  ready  to  forgive.  Kemember,  she  who  r«- 
fuses  forgiveness  breaks  the  bridge  over  which  she 
must  pass,  for  all  need  forgiveness. 

In  your  intercourse  with  your  fellow-beings,  you 
oannot  fail  of  profiting  by  this  advice,  and  I  trust  in 
your  duties  it  may  prove  to  be  one  of  the  good  injunc 
tions  you  have  gleaned  from  our  fraternity. 

You  will  now  be  conducted  to  our  worthy  Lecturer. 

L.  A.  S.  Worthy  Lecturer,  our  sisters  come  to  glean 
words  of  wisdom  from  you. 

L.  "Worthy  sisters,  remember,  when  storms  lower, 
and  wintry  winds  oppress  you,  that  nature  is  beauti 
ful,  always  beautiful.  Even  the  snowflakes  fall  as  if 
fairies  of  the  air  caught  water-drops,  and  made  them 
into  flowers  to  garland  the  wings  of  the  wind. 

It  is  sad  to  think  that  even  one  human  soul  should 
dimly  perceive  the  beauty  that  is  ever  around  us.  Na 
ture  preaches  to  us  forever  in  tones  of  love,  and  writes 
truth  in  all  colors  on  manuscripts  illuminated  with 
stars  and  flowers. 

Sisters,  be  trustful,  be  free,  and  thus  be  individuate, 
is  the  constant  song  Nature  sings,  through  warbling 
birds  and  whispering  pines,  and  roaring  waves  and 
screeching,  winds.  How  beautiful,  how  angelic  seems 
every  fragment  of  life  which  is  earnest  and  true, 

BONO. 

L.  A.  8.  Worthy  Chaplain,  oar  sisters  come  for  in- 
struction. 

Chap.  As  gleaners,  are  you  not  reminded  of  the 
fidelity  of  Ruth  to  Naomi  ?  But  let  me  urge  yon  to  b« 


37 

faithful  to  yourselves ;  In  so  doing,  be  ever  guarded 
against  anger.  It  has  been  said  of  old  time,  "He  that 
is  angry  with  his  brother  without  cause  Bhall  be  in  dan. 
ger  of  judgment."  But  have  we  not  a  better  law, 
which  kuoweth  no  cause  for  anger  ?  Are  we  not  all 
brethren  ?  Bear  we  not  God's  image  ?  Canst  thou  not 
endure  with  each  other's  small  offences  for  a  brief 
tune,  when  our  Father  above  has  endured  our  many 
and  often  flagrant  sins  through  our  whole  life  ?  My 
sisters,  put  away  far  from  you  all  anger,  contempt,  evil 
speaking,  evil  suggestions,  all  that  savors  not  of  hu 
mility,  for  all  else  are  but  the  soul-snares  of  the 
tempter. 

Let  me  entreat  you,  aa  sisters  in  our  Order,  to  be 
ever  lenient  to  others'  faults.  The  tears  of  the  com 
passionate  are  sweeter  than  dew-drops  falling  from 
roses  on  the  bosom  of  the  earth. 

L.  A.  8.  Worthy  Master,  the  gleaners  have  labored 
faithfully,  and  now  come  to  receive  at  ypur  hands  the 
signs  by  which  they  may  enter  the  field. 

M.  The  sign  of  a  good  gleaner  is  [4.]  I  will  also 
give  you  the  salutation  signal  and  password.  Worthy 
sisters,  that  you  may  prepare  for  the  feast,  our  worthy 
Stewardess  will  attend  you. 

8ONCK    [5.] 


HUSBANDMAN. 


S.  [1.]  Who  comes? 

A.  S.  Brothers,  who,  having  finished  their  labor  is 
the  harrest  field,  seek  advancement. 

S.  Do  you  vouch  for  them  ? 

A.  &  I  do. 

&  [2,]  Brothers,  I  welcome  you  on  your  way;  pro 
ceed  to  our  worthy  Overseer. 

BONO. 

A.  S.  Worthy  Overseer,  brothers  who  have  served 
faithfully  desire  to  become  Husbandmen. 

0.  Brothers,  your  industry,  zeal,  and  efficiency  have 
gained  you  the  approbation  of  your  companions  in  our 
Order,  and  the  uprightness  of  your  conduct,  and  your 
fidelity  to  your  pledges,  are  received  as  evidence  of 
your  moral  worth  and  fitness  to  be  received  a»ong 
honorable  patrons.  The  position  of  Husbandman  fur 
ther  confers  upon  you  great  privileges,  and  binds  yo-n 
in  a  closer  tie  of  brotherhood.  Is  it  your  earnest  de 
sire  to  proceed  ? 

Gand.  It  is. 

0.  It-  will  first  be  necessary  that  you  give  a  pledge  of 
honor  to  secrecy  and  fidelity  as  a  Patron,  which  will 
not  interfere  with  your  duty  to  God,  to  your  country, 
&r  yourself.  With  this  assurance  will  yon  go  on  ? 

Cand.  I  win.  [3.] 


39 


A.  8.  Worthy  Lecturer,  our  worthy  Master 
you  to  instruct  the  candidates. 

L.  Brothers,  to  live  in  the  country  and  enjoy  all  its 
pleasures  we  should  love  the  country.  To  love  the 
country  is  to  take  interest  in  all  that  belongs  to  the 
country  —  its  occupations,  its  sports,  its  culture,  and  its 
improvement  ;  to  gather  the  flocks  around  us  and  feed 
them  from  our  own  hands  ;  to  make  the  birds  our  friends, 
and  call  them  all  by  their  names  ;  to  rove  over  the  ver 
dant  fields  with  a  higher  pleasure  than  we  should  tread 
the  carpeted  halls  of  regal  courts  ;  to  inhale  the  fresh 
air  of  the  morning,  as  if  it  were  the  sweet  breath  of 
infancy  ;  to  brush  the  dew  from  the  glittering  fields, 
as  if  our  paths  were  strewed  with  diamonds  ;  to  per 
ceive  this  glorious  temple  all  instinct  with  the  presence 
of  the  Divinity,  and  to  feel  amidst  all  this  the  hear* 
swelling  with  an  adoration  and  a  holy  joy  absolutely 
incapable  of  utterance  —  this  it  is  to  love  the  country, 
and  to  make  it  not  the  home  of  the  person  only,  but 
of  the  soul. 

SONG. 

A.  8.  Worthy  Overseer,  our  brothers  are  on  their 
way  to  receive  their  reward,  and  desire  counsel  from 
you. 

0.  Brothers,  you  are  now  about  to  receive  your  re 
ward  as  faithful  Laborers.  It  is  to  be  made  Husband 
men  in  our  Order  —  a  position  reached  by  merit  alone. 
There  are  duties  devolving  upon  you  in  this  degree 
which  must  not  be  overlooked,  and  in  their  proper  ob 
servance  your  example  will  reflect  credit  upon  you  and 
our  Order. 

As  a  Husbandman,  look  with  earnest  solicitude  upon 


40 

children  and  their  welfare,  and  remember  that  they 
are  to  follow  in  our  footsteps  and  occupy  our  positions. 
ff  we  desire  to  encourage  them  to  love  rural  life,  we 
must  make  its  labors  cheerful.  What  a  child  sees 
makes  the  most  lasting  impression.  We  may  tell  them 
of  the  pleasures  and  independence  of  the  farmer's  life, 
but  if  their  daily  intercourse  with  us  shows  it  to  be 
tedious,  irksome  labor,  without  any  recreation  of  bodj 
or  mind,  they  will  soon  lose  all  interest  in  it,  and  seek 
fascinations  elsewhere.  Therefore,  strive  to  make  your 
home  pleasing — make  it  more  and  more  attractive. 
Adorn  your  grounds  with  some  of  those  natural  attrac 
tions  God  has  so  profusely  spread  around  us;  adorn 
jour  family  circle  with  the  noble  traits  of  man — a  kind 
disposition ;  govern  them  with  affection ;  teach  them 
to  love  and  not  fear  you,  for  love  is  power. 


A.  8,  Worthy  Master,  our  brothers  are  now  ready  to 
receive  their  reward. 

3f.  Brothers,  you  have  labored  diligently,  and  I  say 
to  you,  "  V.Tell  done,  good  and  faithful  servants."  As 
Husbandmen,  I  now  decorate  you  with  the  sash. 
Yv^ear  it  with  honor  and  dignity.  You  will  now  be  in 
structed  in  the  lessons  of  the  signs  of  the  degrees.  The 
first  you  will  receive  from  Ceres. 

67.*  Worthy  brothers,  I  greet  you  as  Husbandmen, 
Have  faith.  In  the  child,  where  love  is  instilled  by 
kind  parents,  its  faith  in  them  to  protect  and  provide 
for  its  safety  and  wants  is  unbounded.  So  the  Hus 
bandman  has  faith  in  the  Great  Provider.  He  prepares 


41 

his  ground,  puts  in  the  seed,  having  faith  in  its  resur 
rection. 

No  man  comes  closer  to  God  in  his  daily  labors  than 
the  Husbandman.  Constantly  surrounded  by,  and 
coca  ing  continually  in  contact  with,  His  beautiful 
creations,  let  your  life  show  that  you  appreciate  your 
honored  position.  Let  Corn  be  to  you  an  emblem  of 
faith. 

A.  S.  Brothers,  give  h«ed  to  further  lessons  from  P.* 

P.*  I  also  welcome  you  as  Husbandmen.  I  need 
not  prompt  you  to  nurture  Hope.  It  is  the  beacon 
light  that  guides  us  in  our  labors.  Were  we  deprived  of 
that  source  of  consolation,  life  would  indeed  be  dreary. 
When  you  see  tlje  blossoms  open  in  the  spring,  Hope 
is  there  for  the  luscious  fruit,  and  the  Husbandman's 
labors  encourage  Hope  at  every  turn.  Let  Fruit  be  to 
you  an  emblem  of  hope. 

A.  S.  From  F.*  you  will  be  further  taught. 

F.*  Brothers,  my  tribute  is  the  Flower  seed.  Flow 
ers  are  emblematical  of  charity — they  do  not  display 
their  beauties  to  the  rich  alone.  Nay,  God  decorates  His 
footstool  with  them ;  they  are  everywhere,  and  cover 
many  a  deformity ;  their  colors  may  be  admired  by  all. 

Their  fragrance  fills  the  air,  and  is  wafted  on  the 
breeze  to  all  alike.  Encourage  their  culture,  and  dis 
pense  your  charities  as  freely  and  modestly  as  the  rose 
imparts  its  perfume. 

A.  S.  We  will  now  to  the  Master. 

M.  Let  the  Agate  be  to  you  an  emblem  of  fidelity. 
May  your  principles  of  manhood  be  as  firmly  im 
pressed  as  the  lasting  colors  hi  the  stone,  and  may  om 
friendship  be  as  firm  as  the  stone  itself.  The  sign  o1 


42 

a  good  Husbandman  is  that  he  places  Faith  in  God, 
nurtures  Hope,  dispenses  Charity,  and  is  noted  for  his 
Fidelity. 

I  now  give  you  the  sign  in  this  degree.  *  *  *  * 
I  will  also  impart  to  you  the  signal,  annual  password, 
grip,  sign  of  recognition,  and  patron's  test.  *  *  * 
And  now,  my  worthy  brother,  having  merited  and  re 
ceived,  the  approval  of  your  companions,  I  cordially  in 
vite  you  to  join  us  in  our  harvest  feast.  [Calls  wp.~\  [4.] 

Worthy  Chaplain,  our  harvest  being  ended,  and  the 
fruits  thereof  spread  before  us,  it  is  meet  that  we  re 
turn  thanks  to  the  Great  Creator  for  these  blessings. 

Cftap.  Heavenly  Father,  who  openest  Thine  hand 
and  satisnest  tiie  desires  of  every  living  thing,  make 
us  grateful  for  Thy  present  provision,  and  may  the 
strength  it  imparts  be  expended  in  Thy  service  and 
that  of  humanity.  Amen. 


M.  Another  season  In  the  work  of  our  Order  has 
passed.  The  lessons  we  have  endeavored  to  inculcate 
are  appropriate  to  all  the  walks  of  life.  In  the  morn 
ing  or  spring  time,  as  Laborers,  we  are  admonished  to 
be  diligent  and  persevering  in  our  researches  for  truth, 
and  to  a  faithful  discharge  of  the  various  duties  that 
devolve  upon  us.  As  cultivators  we  are  impressed 
with  maxims  that  lead  to  habits  of  observation,  indus 
try,  and  order.  As  harvesters,  to  be  joyous  and  thank- 
f  ui  for  the  blesvsings  that  reward  our  efforts  to  increase 
the  store  of  comforts  and  happiness  vouchsafed  to  man, 
that  when  the  ripened  fruits  and  falling  leaves  of  au 
tumn  give  place  to  the  winter's  storm,  as  Husbandmea 


43 


we  can  enter  into  the  enjoyment  of  that  rest  from 
physical  labor  which  given  us  leisure  for  mental  and 
social  culture,  and  in  our  Order  brings  us  into  that 
circle  where  unbounded  confidence  prevails,  and  where 
we  study  the  good  of  all.  Let  us  treasure  up  the  les 
sons  we  have  learned,  both  by  successes  and  failures, 
renew  our  hopes  for  the  future,  and  strive  to  make 
our  lives  as  harmoniously  beautiful  as  are  the  works  of 
Nature. 


MATEOK 


0.  Worthy  Master,  there  are  several  of  our  worthy 
sisters  who  desire  to  receive  the  degree  of  Matron. 

M.  It  will  give  us  pleasure  to  comply  with  their  re 
quest,  and  the  worthy  Steward  will  assemble  them  foi 
that  purpose. 

[2.] 

0.  Worthy  sisters,  permit  me  to  congratulate  yon 
in  your  desire  to  advance  to  the  highest  degree  in  a 
subordinate  Grange.  May  the  occasion  be  one  to 
which  you  can  in  after  years  look  back  with  pride  and 
pleasure. 

L.  A.  8.  Worthy  Chaplain,  our  sisters  come  first  to 
you  for  counsel. 

Chap.  Sisters,  speak  not  evil  one  to  anotlier.  Be 
kind  to  one  another.  Let  us  hold  fast  the  profession 


44 

of  our  faith  without  wavering.  Whatsoever  things 
are  true,  whatsoever  things  are  honest,  whatsoever 
things  are  just,  whatsoever  things  are  pure,  whatsoever 
things  are  lovely,  whatsoever  things  are  of  good  re 
port — -if  there  be  any  virtue  and  if  there  be  any  praise, 
think  on  these  things. 

Let  no  man  deceive  you  with  vain  words.  Let  noth 
ing  be  done  through  strife  or  vain  glory  ;  but  in  low 
liness  of  mind  let  each  esteem  others  better  than  them 
selves. 

8OJJGK        [3.] 

M.  Worthy  Assistant,  whom  bring  you  to  our  altar  ? 

L.  A.  S.  Sisters,  who  have  gleaned  in  the  fields. 

M.  Have  you  a  precedent  in  so  doing  ? 

L.  A.  8.  I  have. 

M.  Will  you  give  it  to  me  ? 

L.  A.  S.  In  liuth,  the  Moabitesa,  who  gleaned  in  the 
fields  of  Boaz. 

M.  When  urged  by  Naomi  to  return  to  her  kindred, 
how  did  she  reply  ? 

L.  A.  8.  Entreat  rne  not  to  leave  thee,  or  to  return 
from  following  after  thee,  for  whither  thou  goest  I  will 
go,  and  where  thou  lodgest  I  will  lodge,  thy  people 
shall  be  my  people,  and  thy  God  my  God ;  where  thou 
diest  I  will  die,  and  there  will  I  be  buried :  the  Lord 
do  so  to  me,  and  more,  also,  if  aught  but  death  part 
thee  and  me, 

M.  Eight,  bister ;  let  us  trust  that  equally  strong  de 
votion  to  the  principles  of  friendship  may  exist  be 
tween  us  all  in  our  fraternity.  Do  you  vouch  for  oui 
sisters  as  Gleaners? 

L.  A.  8.  I  da 


45 

M.  As  you  were  not  obligated  then,  it  is  necessary 
you  now  give  us  a  final  pledge,  for  which,  if  you  have 
no  objections,  you  will  now  be  prepared. 


L,  A.  8.  Worthy  C.*,  our  sisters  come  to<  pay  their 

respects  to  £h>"sir  worthy  Patronesses, 

(7.*  Worthy  Sisters,  as  Nature  bestows  her  favors 
bountifully,  so  may  you  as  Matrons  liberally  dispense 
good  to  your  fellow-beings. 

P.*  Wherever  you  go,  whatever  do,  be  as  choice 
fruits,  ever  welcome, 

F.*  Weave  for  yourselves  garlands  of  noble  deeds, 
that  shall  adorn  your  path  on  earth,  and  on  their  fra 
grance  rise  to  immortality. 

[MUSIC.] 

L.  A.  S:  Let  us  now  to  the  Lecturer.  Worthy  Lec 
turer,  greet  our  sisters  on  their  way. 

L.  Worthy  Sisters,  the  Great  Creator  has  appointed 
to  each  creature  the  place  which  it  is  to  inhabit,  and 
each  finds  on  entering  the  world  everything  necessary 
to  the  preservation  of  life.  How  many  enjoyments  and 
pleasing  sensations  does  He  grant  with  life  to  animated 
beings,  and  particularly  to  mankind  ! 

With  what  naagnificence  has  He  adorned  and  embel 
lished  the  world  which  man  inhabits!  What  sweets 
social  life  affords!  What  tender  ties,  what  warm  affec 
tions,  what  delightful  sentiments  has  He  created  for 
the  heart  to  enjoy.  These  are  ours  ;  let  us  appreciate 
them,  and  let  us  never  be  ungrateful  to  such  a  bounti 
ful  Creator,  and  since  we  are  endowed  with  reason,  lei 


46 

ns  acknowledge  with  transports  of  joy  that  the  earth  il 
full  of  His  mercies. 

JH 

BONO. 

L.  A.  8.  Worthy  Overseer,  our  sisters  have  been 
obligated,  and  now  desire  further  instructions. 

0.  As  Matrons  in  our  Order,  remember  that  the 
mother  writes  her  own  history  on  the  imperishable 
mind  of  her  child.  That  history  will  remain  indelible. 
On  the  tablet  of  the  mind  you  write  for  everlasting 
good  or  ill,  which  storms  cannot  wa*sh  out,  nor  the 
slow  moving  ages  of  eternity  obliterate.  Be  careful, 
then,  to  engraft  those  truths  which  shall  be  a  guide  and 
teacher  when  your  voice  shall  be  silent,  and  you  have 
passed  from  this  to  another  world. 
[5.]  SONG. 

Jf.  Here,  sisters,  around  our  altar,  with  hands 
united,  we  pledge  to  you  our  friendship.  We  accept 
your  pledge  of  fidelity,  and  in  turn,  as  we  in  form  en 
close  you  within  our  sacred  circle,  so  will  we  in  life 
shield  you  from  harm. 

SONG. 

I  now  give  you  the  sign  of  a  Matron,  who,  with 
heart  and  hands,  gives  aid  and  succor  to  our  cause.  I 
also  give  you  the  annual  password,  signal,  grip,  sign  of 
recognition,  and  Patron's  test. 

[«.] 

As  with  the  Husbandman,  the  sign  of  a  good  Matron 
is,  she  places  Faith  in  God,  nurtures  Hope,  dispenses 
Charity,  and  is  noted  for  her  Fidelity ;  and  now,  my 
sisters,  let  us  all  extend  to  you  the  right  hand  of  fel 
lowship. 


INSTALLATION  OF  OFFICERS 

IN   A 

SUBORDINATE    GRANGE. 


( Any  member  of  the  State  Orange  can  install  officers 
in  a  Subordinate.  It  may  be  public  if  desired.) 

M.  Y7e  have  met  on  this  occasion  to  install  the  offi 
cers  of  this  Grange ;  let  us  first  invoke  the  blessing  of 
God.  (Calls  up.} 

Okap.  Almighty  Father,  Maker  of  the  Universe,  find 
Giver  of  every  good  to  mankind,  we  beseech  The«  bo 
with  us  on  this  occasion ;  bless  those  who  shall  at  this 
time  be  installed  officers  of  this  Grange ;  endow  fihem 
with  prudence  and  wisdom.  Be  with  all  the  officers  of 
the  State  and  National  Grange,  and  all  connected  with 
our  Order,  and  aid  us  in  extending  its  benefits  in  all 
parts  of  our  land.  Be  with  all  Orders  and  associations 
having  for  their  object  the  advancement  of  education, 
and  the  moral  welfare  and  happiness  of  mankind ,  we 
ask  all  in  Thy  name.  Amen. 

OPENING  ODE. 

M.  (Calls  down.}  The  officers  elect  will  please  seat 
themselves  at  the  left  of  the  altar. 

(  When  seated  he  shall  say :) 

Patrons  and  friends,  be  pleased  to  give  an  attentive 
ear  to  our  worthy  brother,  who  has  been  authorized  to 
install  our  officers. 

41 


48 

{Installing  officer  may  precede  by  an  original  address 
and  close  -loith  the  fo Uowtyg :) 

Sine©  God  created  the  earth,  agriculture  has  existed; 
there  in.  no  occupation  that  precedes  it,  no  order  or  as- 
sociation  that  can  rank  with  the  tillers  of  the  soil.  Be 
fore  literature  existed,  before  governments  were  known, 
agriculture  was  the  first  calling  of  man.  The  Order  of 
Patrons  is  the  only  association  that  originates,  exists, 
and  works  with  its  members  in  their  daily  avocations. 
It  is  part  of  the  farmer's  life ;  it  does  not  call  him  from 
his  work  to  put  his  mind  upon  any  other  subject,  but 
tends  to  recreation  -in  his  daily  duties,  and,  by  cheer 
ful  instruction,  to  lighten  and  elevate  his  labor.  Its 
teachings  are  the  loftiest  that  man  can  seek.  It  does 
not  interfere  with  his  religious  or  political  views.  In 
morality  it  seeks  the  highest  point ;  honesty  is  incul 
cated,  education  nurtured,  charity  is  a  prominent 
characteristic,  temperance  is  supported,  and  brotherly 
lovo  cultivated. 

It  is  designed  to  bind  the  farmers  together  in  frater 
nity,  and,  by  encouraging  education,  advance  to  a 
higher  state  of  perfection  the  science  of  agriculture. 
We  aim  to  encourage  the  planting  of  fruits  and  flowers 
by  which  to  enhance  the  value  and  increase  the  attrac 
tions  of  our  homes,  adorning  them  with  those  beauties 
so  lavishly  given  us  by  the  God  of  Nature  ;  and  there 
is  no  calling  more  elevating  to  the  mind  than  agricul 
ture,  when  viewed  as  instructed  in  our  Order.  God, 
in  the  beginning,  made  it  honorable,  and  it  is  our  duty 
to  sustain  it  as  such.  Discarding  the  principles  which 
shut  out  woman  from  a  knowledge  of  the  mysteries, 
we  open  wide  the  door  and  bid  her  welcome.  In  so 


doing  we  claim  a  precedent,  when  God  said,  "  It  is  not 
good  for  man  to  be  alone. "  Ours  is  a  social  Order ; 
all  can  find  herein  something  to  enjoy,  and  we  believe 
there  is  nothing  better  for  a  man  than  that  he  should 
eat  and  drink,  and  that  he  should  make  his  soul  enjoy 
good  in  his  labor.  It  is  from  the  hand  of  God.  We 
ask  none  to  join  us  who  cannot  see  good  in  their  fellow- 
beings  ;  but  to  all  those  who  have  generous  hearts  and 
open  hands  to  help  the  needy,  raise  the  fallen,  and  are 
willing  to  aid  in  making  the  labors  of  this  life  cheerful, 
we  say,  welcome  to  the  Grange. 

(To  tJie  members.)  Patrons,  I  am  clothed  with  the 
power  to  install  your  officers. 

(To. officers  elect.)  Placing  confidence  in  you,  that 
you  will  seek  to  add  honor  to  your  position  by  correct 
deportment,  your  companions  have  selected  you  as 
their  leaders  for  the  ensuing  year. 

(To  the  Grange.}  Patrons,  is  it  your  wish  that 

Brother  shall  be  installed  as  Master  of  tliis 

Grange? 

Orange.  It  is. 

(Installing  Officer's  Assistant  shall  now  conduct  tin 
Master  elect  to  the  altar,  and  he  shall  say :) 

Ass't.  Worthy  Sire,  I  have  the  honor  to  introduce  to 

you  Brother ,  who  has  been  chosen  as  Master  of 

this  Grange.  I  believe  him  to  be  well  skilled  in  our 
work,  and  observant  of  the  noble  precepts  of  our  Or 
der,  and  have  no  doubt  he  will  discharge  the  import 
ant  duties  of  his  office  with  fidelity. 

(InetalUng  officer  shall  then  administer  Um  obliga* 
tttm.) 


50 


I ?  having  been   elected  [Master]  of 


Grange,  do  solemnly  pledge  iny  honor  that  I  will  per 
form  all  the  duties  appertaining  to  the  office,  as  far  as 
in  my  power,  until  my  successor  is  duly  installed.  I 
will  support  the  Constitution  of  the  National  Grange, 
the  By-Laws  of  this  Grange,  and  I  will  inculcate  a 
strict  obedience  to  all  laws  and  edicts  emanating  from 
the  proper  authority.  I  will  not  take  advantage  of  the 
position  to  bias  in  any  way,  either  directly  or  indi 
rectly,  the  political  or  religious  opinion  of  any  mem 
ber  of  the  Order. 

(Call*  down.) 

Inst.  Off.  Worthy  Brother,  in  performing  this  duty, 
I  must  impress  upon  your  mind  the  importance  of  the 
position  you  hold.  You  will  be  foremost  in  advocating 
the  principles  and  carrying  out  the  objects  of  our 
Order.  To  you  will  not  only  those  connected  with 
your  Grange  look  for  example,  but  those  outside  the 
Gate  will  diligently  scrutinize  each  act.  Let  me  cau 
tion  you,  that  you  keep  the  eye  of  the  mind  open 
among  your  members;  encourage  improvement ;  re 
member  that  nature's  motto  is  omca/rd;  she  never 
goes  backward. 

You  may  encounter  difficulties ;  overcome  them,  re 
membering  that  difficulties  are  but  opportunities  to 
test  our  abilities.  As  Master  of  this  Grange,  your 
fellow-laborers  will  look  to  you  to  devise  work;  a  ' 
judicious  Master  will  take  due  care  that  no  time  is 
lost  in  useless  labor.  Encourage  improvement.  Your 
laborers  may  not  at  first  comprehend  the  value  of  this ; 
but  it  is  your  duty  to  instruct  them ;  andln  this  you 


51 

will  come  in  contact  with  their  minds;  if  those  be  left 
uncultivated,  if  neglect  is  allowed  to  sow  itself,  the 
moral  weed  crop  will  meet  your  eye  to  baffle  and  tor 
ment  you. 

It  will  be  a  prominent  part  of  your  duty,  both  in  and 
out  of  the  Grange,  to  encourage  the  education  of  tlie 
children  within  the  limits  of  your  jurisdiction,  to  see 
that  they  are  not  banished  at  the  tender  age  of  child 
hood  from  the  school  of  early  instruction  to  the  labors 
of  the  fields,  before  the  mind  has  received  that  gentle 
care  and  training  which  enlivens,  explains,  and  digni 
fies  labor. 

(Calls  up.) 

I  now  decorate  you  with  the  sash  and  the  pouch  of 
the  Master  of  this  Grange,  and  present  you  with  the 
Master's  gavel ;  and  in  conducting  you  to  the  chair,  I 
place  in  your  hands  the  Constitution  of  the  Order,  and 
Laws  of  this  Grange. 

(Calls  down.) 

Retiring  Master  greets  the  new,  and,  if  Tie  sees  proper, 
can  make  a  retiring  speech. 

Other  officers  are  now  called  up,  and  receive  the  obli 
gation  together,  after  which,  Installing  Officer'*  Assist 
ant  tften  introduces — 

OVEESEEE. 

Inst.  Off.  Brother,  your  duty  is  to  see  that  the 
orders  of  the  Master  are  faithfully  transmitted  to  the 
Laborers,  and  in  his  absence  to  take  his  place.  The 
Laborers  come  to  you  for  instruction  in  their  work,  and 


52 


you  are  brought  in  contact  with  them ;  your  influence 
is  direct ;  exert  that  influence  with  due  care.  Of  all 
the  sweeteners  of  human  toil,  of  all  the  motive  powers 
that  give  alacrity  to  the  hand  or  foot,  readiness  to  the 
will,  intelligence  to  the  mind  and  purpose,  the  quick 
est  and  most  enduring  in  results  is  the  kind  word 
spoken  in  season. 

In  presenting  you  with  the  emblem  of  your  rank,  I 
need  not  urge  you  to  be  faithful  in  the  performance-of 
your  duties, 

Assistant  places  sash  and  pouch  upon  him,  and  con- 
diutis  him  to  his  seat.  Introduces 

LECTURES. 

Imt.  Off,  Brother ,  to  you  is  assigned  the 

important  duty  of  imparting  instruction  to  the  mem 
bers  of  the  Grange.  To  this  end  you  will  be  pre 
pared,  at  each  meeting  of  the  Grange,  whenever  the 
time  will  permit,  to  deliver  short  addresses ;  to  read, 
or  cause  to  be  read,  short  articles  containing  useful 
information,  and  to  suggest  topics  for  discussion  by 
the  Grange. 

You  will  also  see  that  all  addresses,  lectures,  and  other 
information  for  the  good  of  the  Order,  are  promptly 
laid  before  the  Grange,  or  distributed  among  the  mem 
bers. 

In  selecting  subjects,  include  the  house  and  the  home, 
as  well  as  the  farm  and  the  field ;  for  it  is  in  the  for 
mer  that  the  rewards  of  labor  upon  the  latter  are  finally 
enjoyed.  A  well-ordered  household  is  essential  to  a 
Uappy  home. 


53 

I  now  have  the  pleasure  of  investing  you  with  the 
gash  and  pouch,  and  of  decorating  you  with  the  em 
blem  of  your  office. 

Assistant  cond,ucts  him  to  his  seat,  and  introd'U-css 

BTEWABD. 

Inst.  Off.  "It  is  required  in  Stewards  that  they  bs 
found  faithful."  Your  duty  in  the  Grange  is  to  set  the 
new  Laborers  at  work,  and  to  learn  their  qualifications ; 
then  to  assign  them  their  proper  places.  It  requires 
good  judgment  upon  your  part.  You  are  also  to  see 
that  each  one  is  suitably  rewarded  for  his  labor.  You 
will  find  many  who  will  claim  a  thorough  knowledge  of 
the  business  of  the  farm,  at  the  same  time  are  igno 
rant  of  the  first  principles  of  the  laws  of  nature ;  to 
these  you  will  furnish  every  facility,  by  access  to  the 
library,  to  improve  their  minds,  and  use  every  effort  to 
enable  them  to  attain  the  highest  rank  in  their  calling. 
It  is  yours  to  guide  your  brother  over  the  field,  and 
keep  his  feet  from  stumbling,  until  he  is  enabled  to 
walk  by  himself ;  and  herein  it  is  necessary  that  you 
be  faithful,  having  no  respect  to  persons.  It  is  also 
your  duty  to  see  thai;  the  property  of  the  Grange  is  se 
cured,  and  all  safely  put  in  the  hands  of  the  Gato- 
keeper.  Your  emblem  is  the  Spud,  an  ancient  imple 
ment  used  by  Stewards  in  passing  through  the  fields  to 
eradicate  weeds  that  may  have  escaped  the  notice  of 
the  Laborers.  Let  it  remind- you  of  your  hity,  as  a 
faithful  Steward,  to  check  the  growth  of  weeds  in  >ur 
Order. 

Assistant  places  sash  and  poueh  upon  him,  and  ecvb> 
ditcts  him  to  his  seat.  Introduces, 


54 


ASSISTANT  8TEWABD. 

Inst.  Off.  Brother,  your  duty  is  to  guard  the  inner 
gate  and  assist  the  Steward  in  his  labors.  Be  cautions, 
be  true.  As  the  Assistant  Steward,  there  are  labors 
also  devolving  upon  you  which  require  that  you  look 
carefully  to  the  welfare  of  those  consigned  to  your 
charge.  Your  associations  with  the  Steward  should  be 
of  .the  most  amicable  nature. 

Your  emblem  is  the  Pruning  Hook.  The  spear,  beat 
into  a  pruning  hook,  is  emblematical  of  peace.  May 
it  always  remind  you  of  your  duty,  to  strive  in  pre 
serving  peace  in  our  Order. 

Assistant  places  sash  and  pouch  upon  him,  and  con 
ducts  him  to  his  seat.  Introduces 

CHAPLAIN. 

Inst,0ff.  (Pious  sash  and  pouch  upon  him.}  Rev 
erend  brother,  upon  you  devolves  a  labor  that  I  trust 
will  ever  be  a  pleasant  and  cheerful  task.  In  present 
ing  you  with  this  sacred  volume,  (calls  up,}  a  text-book 
in  which  ail  look  for  wisdom  and  instruction,  I  need 
not  urge  you  to  be  faithful  in  your  calling.  As  the 
medium  of  this  Grange  to  hold  converse  with  the 
Master  of  the  Great  Grange  above,  may  you  never  in 
tercede  in  vain.  May  the  spiritual  seed  you  shall  sow 
fall  on  good  soil,  and  bring  forth  a  hundred-fold. 
Cast  thy  bread  upon  the  waters,  and  thou  shalt  gather 
it  after  many  days.  Bemember  the  parable  of  the 
mustard  seed.  Brethren,  behold  your  Chaplain.  (Galls 
down.} 

Assistant  conducts  to  seat :  introduces 


55 


TBEASTJBEB. 

Inat.  Off.  Brother,  confidence  in  your  honesty  and 
integrity  prompts  your  companions  to  deposit  in  your 
keeping  the  keys  of  the  treasury.  Take  the  emblem 
of  your  office,  and  may  you  prove  to  all  that  you  are 
honorable,  and  worthy  of  the  trust. 

Assistant  places  sash  and  pouch  upon  him  ;  conduct* 
him  to  his  seat ;  introduces 

BECEETAET. 

lust.  Off.  Brother,  the  duties  of  your  office  are  the 
most  arduous  of  all,  requiring  judgment,  promptness, 
and  efficiency.  You  become  the  organ  of  the  Grange, 
and  through  you  communication  is  maintained  with 
the  Granges  throughout  the  land.  Let  your  corres 
pondence  at  all  times  be  courteous,  brief,  yet  compre 
hensive.  The  records  of  the  Grange  will  ever  be  held 
as  a  valuable  memento  of  your  labors.  Let  them  b« 
exact,  and  a  faithful  history  of  its  work. 

Assistant  places  sash  and  poucJi  upon  him  ;  conduct* 
him  to  his  seat;  introduces 

GATE-KEEPEB. 

Inst.  Off.  Brother,  in  presenting  you  with  Uhe  em 
blem  of  your  rank,  I  caution  you  to  be  vigilant  and 
watchfuL  Your  position  is  a  responsible  one ;  neglecl 
on  your  part  might  enable  an  enemy  to  enter,  rob  the 
orchard  and  vineyard,  or  sow  the  ground  with  tares. 
Being  chosen  by  your  Fellow-Husbandmen  is  evi 
dence  that  they  hold  you  in  high  esteem.  The  jewels 
of  the  Grange  are  placed  in  your  keeping,  together 


56 

with  all  its  paraphernalia ;  see  that  the  garments  of  the 
laborers  are  suitable,  and  let  none  enter  the  field  ex 
cept  in  proper  attire. 

Assistant  places  sash  and  pouch  upon  him,  and  c&n- 
duct*  him  to  seat ;  introduces 

CEBES. 

hist.  Off.  Worthy  sister,  the  ancients  worshipped 
Ceres  as  the  goddess  of  agriculture  ;  but  we,  in  a  more 
enlightened  age,  give  you  the  honored  position  meta 
phorically,  and  to  show  our  respect  for  woman.  Let 
woman  elevate  her  ideas,  and  labor  to  extend  the 
sphere  of  her  thoughts.  As  you  have  been  chosen  to 
grace  this  Grange,  and  encourage  your  brothers  by 
your  presence  to  labor  with  diligence,  I  place  this? 
wreath  upon  your  head,  and  the  sickle  under  youi 
protection.  Revere  the  one  and  guard  the  other  ; 
they  are  significant  of  the  bounties  of  God.  that  can 
only  properly  be  garnered  by  the  labor  of  man. 

A&sist-ant  seats  Ceres,  and  introduces 

POMONA. 

Inst.  Off.  In  placing  upon  your  brow  this  wreath  of 
fruit  blossoms,  it  is  to  aid  your  associates  in  our  Or 
der,  and  to  encourage  the  association  of  women  in  oui 
work.  In  placing  in  your  hands  this  branch,  ladened 
with  fruit  blossoms,  let  us  remember  that  no  trees 
bear  fruit  in  autumn  which  dc-eot  blossom  in  spring. 
To  the  end  that  our  age  be  profitable,  and  laden  with 
good  fruit,  let  all  endeavor  that  our  youth  may  be 
studioiTS,  and  replete  with  the  blossoms  of  observation 
and  learning. 


67 

Assistant  conducts  to  seat ;  introdiice* 

FLOBA. 

InsL  Of.  Selected  to  personate  Flora  in  this  Grange, 
I  cordially  welcome  you,  and  trust  the  ardor  you  will 
evince  in  the  culture  of  flowers  will  prompt  all  your 
associates  to  beautify  their  homes  with  them.  Their 
culture  and  study  invariably  elevate  and  never  de 
grade.  I  crown  you  with  this  wreath,  emblematical 
of  every  grace  and  virtue  that  should  be  found  in  wo 
man. 

Assistant  conducts  to  seat ;  introduces 

STEWARDESS. 

Inst.  Off.  Sister,  as  Stewardess  of  this  Grange,  I 
present  you  with  the  shepherd's  crook.  It  is  emblem 
atical  of  care  and  kindness,  as  well  as  innocence  and 
purity.  It  is  your  duty  to  conduct  your  sister  initi 
ates,  and  keep  their  feet  from  stumbling.  At  your 
hands  alone  are  they  enabled  for  the  first  time  to  see 
the  interior  of  a  working  Grange,  and  it  is  by  you 
they  are  decorated  as  sisters  in  our  Order.  May  the 
impressions  made  by  you  upon  their  minds  be  good, 
and  the  association  so  formed  an  honor  to  all. 
Assistant  seats  Stewardess.  {Calls  up.} 
Inst.  Off.  And  now  I  declare  the  officers  of  thia 
Grange  duly  installed ;  may  your  labors  be  pleasant, 
and  your  duties  faithfully  performed,  to  the  satisfac 
tion  of  all  working  under  you.  Be  cheerful  and  uni 
ted.  Behold  how  good  and  how  pleasant  it  is  for 
brethren  to  dwell  together  in  unity. 


58 


CLOSING  ODE. 

And  now,  Patrons,  removing  from  oar  hearts  all 
jealousies,  and  hatred,  and  bitterness  of  feeling  to 
wards  other  orders  and  associations,  let  ns  strive  with 
them,  working  hand  in  hand  for  the  good  of  our  fel 
low-beings.  Let  us  remember  that  amid  all  that  is 
bright  and  beautiful  in  nature,  there  is  nothing  that 
blooms  with  such  unfading  colors,  there  is  no  perfume 
on  earth  fraught  with  such  fragrance,  as  the  flowers  of 
good  works,  and  the  sweet-smelling  savor  of  that  pity 
which  feels  for  the  wants  and  relieves  the  distress  of 
our  sister^  and  brothers. 

BENEDICTION. 

And  now,  may  He  who  has  adorned  this  earth  with 
never-ending  beauties  bless  your  labors,  and  crown 
them  with  abundant  fc&nreata. 


FUNERAL  CEREMONY. 


Badge  of  mourning  consists  of  one  piece  of  black  and 
one  of  white  ribbon,  one  inch  icide,  tied  above  the 
elbmc  on  the  left  arm. 

The  male  members  shall  meet  at  their  Grange,  with 
the  usual  badge  of  mourning,  form  in  order  four 
abreast,  with  or  without  music,  and  march  to  the  resi 
dence  of  the  deceased.  Pall-bearers  to  wear  a  white 
sash.  Each  member,  male  or  female,  to  carry  a  sinaD 
bouquet  of  flowers,  either  fresh  or  dried.  The  hearse 
to  be  decorated  with  evergreens,  and,  preceding  the 
procession,  move  to  the  cemetery  in  this  form : 

>N 

PALI/-BEABEBS.        5       PAJ^L-BEABEBS. 


RELATIVES  OF  DECEASED, 
SISTEBS    OP    THE    OBDEB, 


\  in  carriages. 


MUSIC. 
BBOTHEBS  OP  THE  OBDEB. 

On  reaching  the  cemetery  gate,  the  hearse  shall  halt, 
and  brothers,  two  and  two,  shall  open  to  right  and  left, 
and  pass  on  ahead  to  the  grave,  forming  in  two  lines, 
facing  inward.  Pall-bearers  now  pass  up  the  centre 
with  the  body,  and  deposit  it  at  the  side  of  the  grave. 
Relatives  now  follow,  and  then  the  sisters,  and  halt  at 
the  grave. 


60 

Master.  Worthy  Sisters  and  Brothers,  it  becomes 
our  duty  to  pay  a  last  tribute  of  respect  to  a  worthy 
[brother.']  Let  us  remember  that  we  must  needs  die, 
and  are  as  water  spilt  on  the  ground,  which  cannot  be 
gathered  up  again :  neither  does  God  respect  any  per 
son  ;  yet  doth  He  devise  means  that  His  banished  be 
not  expelled  from  Him,  Worthy  Chaplain,  let  us  bow 
in  prayer. 

CTiaplain  and  all  repeat  the  Lord's  Prayer. 


"Mourner,  joy!  an  angel's  pathway,"  <fco. 

Chaplain.  [To  relatives.]  Friends,  blessed  are  the 
ministrations  of  sorrow ;  through  it  we  are  brought 
into  more  tender  relationship  to  all  other  forms  of 
being,  obtain  a  deeper  insight  into  the  mystery  of  eter 
nal  life,  and  feel  more  distinctly  the  breathings  of  the 
Infinite.  The  sorrow  which  God  appoints  is  purifying 
and  ennobling,  and  contains  within  it  a  serious  joy. 
Our  Father  saw  that  disappointment  and  separation 
were  necessary,  and  He  has  made  them  holy  and  ele 
vating. 

Patrons,  again  we  are  called  to  separate  from  a 
worthy  \broiher ;]  but  let  us  remember,  there  is  heal, 
ing  in  the  bitter  cup.  God  takes  away  from  us  those  we 
love,  as  hostages  of  our  faith ;  and  to  those  who  look 
forward  to  a  reunion  in  another  world,  where  there  will 
be  no  separation,  the  evening  of  life  becomes  more 
delightful  than  the  morning,  and  the  sunset  offers 
brighter  and  lovelier  visions  than  those  which  we  build 
up  in  the  luoming  clouds,  and  which  appear  before  the 


61 

strength  of  day.  Faith  is  that  precious  alchemy  which 
transmutes  grief  into  joy,  and  makes  affliction  appear 
what  it  really  is,  a  dispensation  of  mercy. 

Heaven  and  God  are  best  discerned  through  tears — 
scarcely,  perhaps,  discerned  at  all  without  them.  The 
constant  association  of  prayer  with  the  hour  of  be 
reavement,  and  the  scenes  of  death,  suffice  to  show 
this.  We  must  be  made  perfect  through  suffering; 
but  the  struggle  by  night  will  bring  the  calmness  of 
the  morning.  The  prayer  of  deliverance  calls  down 
the  power  of  endurance,  and  while  to  the  reluctant 
their  cross  is  too  heavy  to  be  borne,  it  grows  light  to 
the  heart  of  willing  trust. 

HYMN. 
"  Friend  after  friend  departs,"  &o. 

(  While  this  is  being  sung,  the  brothers  pass  around  the 
grave,  breaking  their  bouqiiets  apart,  dropping  in  the 
flowers.) 

Chaplain  then  reads : 

"Remember  now  thy  Creator  in  the  days  of  thy 
youth,  while  the  evil  days  come  not,  nor  the  years  draw 
nigh,  when  thou  shalt  say,  I  have  no  pleasure  in  them  ; 
while  the  sun,  or  the  light,  or  the  moon,  or  the  stars 
be  not  darkened,  nor  the  clouds  return  after  the  rain ; 
in  the  day  when  the  keepers  of  the  house  shall  tremble, 
and  the  strong  men  shall  bow  themselves,  and  the 
grinders  cease  because  they  are  few,  and  those  that 
look  out  of  the  windows  be  darkened,  because  man 
goeth  to  his  long  home,  and  the  mourners  go  about  the 
streets,  or  ever  the  silver  cord  be  loosed,  or  the  golden 


bowl  be  broken,  or  the  pitcher  be  broken  at  the  form- 
tain,  or  the  wheel  broken  at  the  cistern.  Then  shall 
the  dust  return  to  the  earth  as  it  was :  and  the  spirit 
return  unto  God  who  gave  it." 

"The  Lord  is  my  shepherd,  I  shall  not  want.  He 
maketh  me  to  lie  down  in  green  pastures  ;  He  leadeth 
me  beside  still  waters ;  He  restoreth  my  soul ;  He  leadv 
eth  me  in  paths  of  righteousness  for  His  name's  sake. 
Yea,  though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow 
of  death,  I  will  fear  no  evil ;  for  Thou  art  with  me ; 
Thy  rod  and  Thy  staff  they  comfort  me.  Surely  good 
ness  and  mercy  shall  follow  me  all  the  days  of  my  life ; 
and  I  will  dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  forever." 

(Tlie  coffin  is  now  lowered  in  the  gra/se,  and  the  sisters 
passing  around  the  grave,  each  breaks  her  bouquet  and 
drops  thejlowers  in  while  this  hymn  is  being  sung:} 

HYMN. 

"  Forget  not  the  dead,  who  have  loved,  who  have  left 
us,"&c. 

(Then  tlie  Master  shall  advance  to  the  head  of  the 
grave,  and  the  pall-bearers  at  the  sides,  and  each  breaks 
and  throws  in  his  bouquet.} 

Master.  A  good  name  is  better  than  precious  oint 
ment,  and  the  day  of  death  than  the  day  of  one's  birth. 
[He]  shall  go  as  {he]  came,  and  take  nothing  of  [&fe] 
labor  which  [he~]  may  carry  away  in  [his]  hand. 

(Takes  up  a  handful  of  earth  and  sprinkles  it  in  tht 
prove.) 

In  the  name  of  Grange,  I  pronounce  th« 

wjords,  [Brother] ,  farewell. 


Chaplain.  Almighty  God,  we  give  Thee  hearty  thanka 
for  the  good  examples  of  all  those  Thy  servants,  who, 
having  finished  their  course  in  faith,  do  now  rest  from 
their  labors.  And  we  beseech  Thee,  that  we,  with  all 
those  who  are  now  departed  in  the  true  faith  of  Thy 
holy  name,  may  have  our  perfect  consummation  and 
bliss,  both  in  body  and  soul,  in  Thy  eternal  and  ever- 
ksting  glory ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. 

All.  Amen. 

Chaplain.  May  the  grace  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ  be  with  us  all  now  and  evermore. 

All.  Amen. 

[Each  Grange  may  set  apart  a  day  at  the  proper 
season  of  the  year,  for  the  purpose  of  planting  a  me 
morial  tree  at  the  grave  or  elsewhere,  in  memory  of 
any  brother  or  sister  who  may  have  died.  During  the 
summer  season  it  is  requested  that  a  day  be  also  set 
apart  as  memorial  day,  when  each  Grange  shall,  in  due 
form,  visit  and  decorate  with  flowers  the  graves  and 
memorial  trees  of  their  departed  members.  Members 
of  subordinate  Granges  are  required  to  gather,  during 
the  summer,  a  liberal  quantity  of  everlasting  flowers, 
of  which  to  make  dried  bouquets  to  decorate  theii 
halls,  and  which  may  be  used  in  winter,  if  necessary, 
in  the  funeral  ceremonies.] 


[COPIES  OF  THIS  ARS  ONLY  FUKinBEED  TO  THUS  M., 
O.,  8.,  A.  S,  L.  A2TD  A.  8.] 


LABORER. 

1.  Signal  from  A.  S. 

2.  Opens  door. 

3.  Pass  once  around  the  hall,  stopping  the  second  time 
around  at  L.;  as  candidate  stops,  salute  from  all. 

4.  A.  S  presents  a  card  with  those  words  written  upon 

It* 

5.  Pass  around  the  hall  while  Chaplain  reads  hia  lec 
ture,  and  stop  half  way  between  L.  and  0.,  where  they 
are  met  by  S.,  representing  Ignorance. 

6.  Pass  to  6. 

7.  (See  Manuscript.") 

8.  M.    "  As  you  no  doubt  discovered,  it  is  rough  and 
full  of  obstructions ;  but  feeling  confidence  in  your  guide, 
you  came  safely  through.    This  ia  but  an  example  or 
faith,  and  emblematical  of  a  higher  confidence  in  a  Su 
preme  Being.     We  are  constantly  passing  blindfold  over 
obstacles  in  the  field  of  life,  confidently  believing  we  shall 
ultimately  arrive  at  the  broad  and  pleasant  fields  of  tha 
Paradise  above." 

9.  M.  "Worthy  Assistant  Steward,  you  will  please 
place  the  candidates  in  position  to  give  the  pledge,  stand 
ing  at  the  altar,  the  right  hand  over  the  heart."     [  Calls 
tsp.l 

M.  "  You  will  repeat  after  me :  In  the  presence  of  tha 
Heavenly  Father  and  these  witnesses,  I  do  hereby  pledge 
Kay  sacred  honor  that  I  will  never  reveal  any  of  the  secret! 


2 

of  this  Order  or  communicate  them  or  any  part  of  them 
to  any  person  in  the  world,  unless  I  am  satisfied  by  strict 
test,  or  in  some  legal  manner,  that  they  are  lawfully  en 
titled  to  receive  them ;  that  I  will  conform  to  and  abide 
by  the  constitution,  rulea  and  regulations  of  the  National 
Grange,  and  of  the  State  Grange  under 'whose  jurisdiction 
I  may  at  the  time  be,  and  of  the  subordinate  Grange  to 
which  I  may  be  attached  ;  that  I  will  never  propose  for 
membership  ia  the  Order,  or  sanction  the  admittance  of, 
any  one  whom  I  have  any  reason  to  believe  is  an  improper 
person,  nor  will  I  oppose  the  admission  of  any  one  toUly 
on  the  grounds  of  a  personal  matter.  1  will  recognize 
and  answer  all  lawful  signs  given  me  by  a  brother  or  sis 
ter  of  the  Order,  and  will  render  them  such  assistance  aa 
they  may  be  in  need  of,  so  far  aa  I  am  able  and  the  inter 
est  of  ray  family  will  permit.  I  will  not,  in  any  manner 
whatever,  knowingly  wrong  or  defraud  a  brother  or  sis 
ter  of  the  Order,  nor  will  I  permit  it  to  be  done  by  another, 
if  in  my  power  to  prevent  it.  Should  I  knowingly  or 
wilfully  violate  this  pledge,  or  any  part  of  it,  I  invoke  on 
myself  total  expulsion  from  the  Order  without  the  possi 
bility  of  reinstatement,  and  to  be  forever  disgraced  among 
those  who  were  my  brothers  and  sisters." 

M.  ''Brothers,  being  pledged  to  the  rules  of  this  Or* 
der,  you  wilt  now  be  conducted  without  the  inner  gat«, 
*nd  prepared  for  further  instruction." 

[Son;?  aa  the  candidates  leave  the  altar,  which  ia  con- 
tinned  till  they  return  from  ante-roora  to  0.] 

10.  M.  instructs  the  brothers  in  the  signals  at  the  outer 
and  inner  gates — password  to  be  given  at  the  outer  pule, 
degree  word  at  inner  gate— sign  of  this  degree,  and  salu 
tation  of  this  degree ;  sign  of  caution  and  Patron'  8  general 
sign. 

'The  sign  of  this  degree  signifies  that  "  A  good  laborer 
places  faith  in  God." 

11.  C.,  P.,  and  F.  mean  Geres,  Pomona,  and  Flora. 


3 

MAID. 

( The  ladies  receive  tht  same  sign*  in  att 
AS  are  given  to  the  men.) 

1 .  Signal  from  L.  A.  S. 

Candidates,  properly  robed^  sign  the  roll-book  in  prep 
aration  room. 

2.  S.  opens  door. 

3.  Pass  once  around,  stopping  at  Overseer. 

4.  O.  "Before  you  can  proceed,  it  will  be  necessary 
that  they  give  a  pledge  of  secrecy  and  fidelity.    You  will 
please  conduct  them  to  the  altar,  that  they  may  then 
register  their  pledge." 

They  are  led  to  the  altar  and  there  stand,  and  met  by 
M.,  who  calls  up,  and  says  :  "  My  friends,  you  are  now 
standing  at  the  altar  of  our  Order.  Is  it  your  desire  to 
give  a  pledge  which  will  not  conflict  with  your  moral  or 
social  duties?  "  [  Cand.  It  is.]  "  You  will  please  repeat 
after  me  this  obligation : "  [Same  as  Laborer.] 

5.  "  Your  choice  Is  good ;  you  will  now  be  conducted  to 
our  worthy  Overseer,  that  you  may  be  brought  to  light." 
[Pass  to  O.] 

L.  A.  S.  "  Worthy  Overseer,  it  is  our  worthy  Master's 
pleasure  that  our  friends  be  restored  to  light.1 ' 

O.  "  His  request  shall  be  obeyed.  You  will  now  con 
duct  them  to  the  Master." 

6.  S.  says:    "Sisters,   you  entered  here  blindfolded 
and  covered  with  that  garment.    Before  you  were  placed 
Ignorance  and  Knowledge.    You  were  allowed  to  choose 
for  yourself;  though  in  darkness,  you. chose  wisely  and 
found  light.    Wearing  that  garment  is  to  teach  you  that 
those  we  admit  into  our  circle  are  not  chosen  by  outward 
appearance,  and  that  we  are  not  deceived  by  display  ia 
iress." 

7.  S.  removes  cloak. 

8.  S.  places  a  wreath  of  plain  grass  on  her  head. 


9.  The  sign  signifies  that  we  place  faith  In  Qo«L 

10.  Introduce  to  Ceres. 

CULTIVATOR. 

1.  Signal  from  A.  S. 

2.  Opens  door  and  says : 

3.  Pass  onco  around  the  hall  and  stop  at  0. 

4.  M.  "  Worthy  A.  S.,  you  will  place  the  candidates, 
standing  at  the  altar,  with  the  right  hand  over  the  heart, 
[  Calls  up.]    You  will  repeat  after  me  this  obligation  : 

11 1  hereby  solemnly  renew  my  obligation  of  secrecy  and 
fidelity,  taken  in  the  first  degree  of  this  Order;  and 
further  promise,  upon  my  sacred  honor,  to  keep  the  se 
crets,  fulfil  the  obligations,  and  obey  the  injunctions  of 
this  second  degree,  and  aid  my  brothers  and  sisters  in 
doing  the  same." 

SONG.  [Calls  down.]  During  the  song  the  A.  S. 
places  a  box  of  dry  sand  and  a  small  dish  of  shelled  corn 
on  the  altar  for  the  M.,  who  takes  a  few  kernels  in  the 
palm  of  the  left  hand  and  exhibits  them  to  the  candidates, 
and  says : 

5.  "  The  sign  of  this  degree  signifies  that  a  good  Cul 
tivator  nurtures  Hope." 

SHEPERDBSS. 

L  L.  A.  S.,  with  lady  candidates,  retires  to  ante-room, 
where  they  are  clothed  with  white  veils,  covering  head 
and  face.  She  then  gives  the  signal,  and  S.  says  : 

2.  S.  opens  door. 

3.  "I  therefore  give  each  of  you  a  rose."      (Given 
either  real  or  artificial ;  real,  if  obtainable,  is  preferred.) 

4.  They  are  led  to  the  altar,  where  each  lays  her  rose 
on  the  open  Bible,  and'L.  A.  S.  Bays  to  M.,  who  meets 
them  at  the  altar  : 


5.  "  To  entitle  you  to  further  privileges  in  our  Order, 
7 on  will  bo  required  to  give  a  pledge  of  fidelity.' '    [  Calk 
up.~\    Gives  obligation  of  Cultivator. 

6.  The  sign  of  this  degree  signifies  that  a  good  Shep- 
derdess  nurtures  Hope, 

HARVE  STER. 

1.  Signal  from  A.  8. 

2.  M.  "  You  will  be  conducted  to  the  altar  and  there 
renew  your  obligations,  [Calls  up.]    You  will  repeat  af 
ter  me":  I  solemnly  renew  my  promise  to  keep  sacred  the 
pledges  of  the  previous  degrees  of  this  Order,  and  here 
by  pledge  my  sacred  honor  that  I  will  faithfully  observe 
the  precepts  and  injunctions  of  this  degree,  reveal  none 
of  its  secrets,  and  assist  in  promoting  the  welfare  of 
the  Order,  according  to  my  ability."     [CalU  down.'] 

M.    "Worthy  Assistant,  having  given  their  pledge, 
you  will  conduct  them  to  the  Lecturer." 

3.  They  retire  to  ante-room  and  sign  the  roll-book  for 
this  degree.    Meanwhile,  the  lady  members  select  their 
partners,  and  pass,  two  and  two,  with  gleanings,  around 
the  hall,  singing  the  Harvest  song. 

4.  The  sign  of  this  degree  signifies  that  a  good  Harves 
ter  dispenses  charity. 

GLEANER. 

1.  M.  calls  to  order  with  one  rap  of  the  gavel,  and  says : 

2.  L.  A.  S.  summons  the  ladies  who  are  to  receive  this 
degree,  and  places  them  at  Overseer's  desk. 

3.  O.  "Let  me  crown  you  with  these  wreaths."  [Places 
wreaths  of  flowers  upon  their  heads.] 

4.  The  sign  signifies  that  a  good  Gleacer  dispense! 
charity. 


5.  Singing  and  music  last  while  the  table  ia  being 
prepared. 

HUSBANDMAN. 

[Table  is  prepared  before  work  in  this  degree  com 
mences.] 

1.  Signal  from  A.  S. 

2.  8.  opens  the  door  and  admits  candidates,  and  says 
to  them : 

3.  O.  "  Worthy  Assistant,  you  will  now  please  con 
duct  these  brothers  to  the  altar,  where  they  will  register 
their  final  pledge  as  true  Patrons." 

A.  S.  will  then  say  :  "  Worthy  Master,  brothers,  true, 
worthy,  and  well  qualified,  are  prepared  to  give  the  pledge 
of  the  fourth  degree." 

M.  [calls  «p]  proceeds  with  the  obligation  :  "I  here 
by  renew  and  confirm  the  obligations  I  have  heretofore 
taken  in  this  Order;  hereby  solemnly  declare  and  say 
that  I  will  never  communicate  the  secrets  of  this  Order  to 
any  one,  unless  legally  authorized  to  do  so  ;  that  I  will 
endeavor  to  be  a  true  and  faithful  Patron  of  Husbandry, 
perform  the  duties  enjoined  in  this  Order,  and  aid  others 
in  the  performance  of  the  same." 

M.  then  says :  "Brothers,  you  will  now  be  conducted 
to  the  Lecturer  for  further  instruction." 

4.  M.  calls  up,  and  all  gather  around  the  table,  stand 
ing,  the  W.  M.  at  the  heaci.  Chaplain  at  his  right,  and  the 
0.  at  the  opposite  end,  when  the  M.  says:    "  W.  Chap 
lain,"  Ac. 

5.  Here  all  enjoy  the  feast,  indulging  largely  in  social 
intercourse.        *        *          *          *  * 

The  feast  being  over,  the  W.  M.  rises  in  his  place  at 
the  feast  and  [calls  up~\  pronounces  the  closing  lecturs  of 
this  degree.  [A  short  recess.] 


MATRON. 

1.  The  feast  being  over,  the  Overseer  calls  to  order, 
giving  one  rap  of  the  gavel,  and  addresses  the  Master. 

2.  L.  A.  S.  assembles  Gleaners  before  Overseer,  who 
addresses  them. 

3.  Pass  once  around  the  hall  during  the  song  and  come 
to  the  altar. 

4.  Gleaners  stand  around  the  altar,  when  they  are 
met  by  the  Master,  who  gives  the  obligation  of  husband 
man. 

5.  During  the  song  the  sisters  pass  to  the  altar,  where 
they  all  join  hands,  and  the  Master  [calls  up]  meets  them 
joining  hands,  forming  a  circle  around  the  altar ;  and  all 
the  members  join  theirs,  making  a  grand  circle,  euclo- 
ing  the  Master  and  sisteps  within. 

6.  M.  gives  explanation  of  salutation,  and  ftll  instruc 
tions,  same  as  for  Husbandman. 


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